Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness. It is estimated that over 300 million people around the world are suffering from depression today. Sadly, fewer than half of them will receive treatment. There are many treatment options for depression, from medication to individual counseling, but there are also many barriers to treatment that people may face.
Talking about mental health can be difficult. Many people are embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they are suffering from depression. But acknowledging the problem is the first step to recovery. If you are experiencing any indicators of depression, professional help and guidance can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a kind of mood disorder, which means it is a condition that causes long-lasting, painful emotions. There are different types of depression, but the most common is known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. Other types include seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and bipolar disorder.
It’s important to understand that depression is more than just a bad day or occasionally feeling sad. It’s a disorder that can be very disruptive to your relationships, career, and health. No one is sure why some people end up suffering from depression while others never experience this problem. Doctors think the problem may be biological, perhaps related to genetics or neurochemical differences.
Am I Suffering from Depression?
We are all individual, so the symptoms of depression will not be exactly the same for each person who experiences it. Still, certain symptoms are very common among people suffering from depression. These include:
- Feeling like life is hopeless
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling worthless or helpless
- Having no energy or motivation
- Changes in appetite (you may eat too much or too little)
- Feelings of sadness or emptiness that won’t go away
- Physical symptoms, like headaches or nausea, that have no other cause
In the most severe cases, people suffering from depression may begin to think about hurting themselves. If you or a loved one is experiencing these thoughts, you need help right away. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help. Their number is 1-800-273-8255.
Do I Need Help?
Everyone feels discouraged or sad sometimes. Usually we are able to move on from these feelings, but for people suffering from depression, recovery is much more difficult. A professional counselor, doctor, or life coach can provide the encouragement and guidance you need to make lasting changes to your mood and your life.
It may be time to consider professional help if any of the following apply to you:
- Your personal relationships are beginning to suffer because of your sadness or irritability.
- You’re having difficulty keeping up with work due to poor focus or lack of energy.
- Friends or family have noticed changes in your mood or behavior lately.
- You haven’t been taking good care of yourself (eating poorly, skipping showers, etc.)
- You feel sad, numb, or irritable most of the time.
Suffering from depression is painful and can have long-term consequences, both for you and for the other people in your life. But you do not have to face this challenge alone. With the right help, you can learn important coping skills, change your unhelpful thinking patterns, and get your life back on track.
How Is Depression Treated?
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you may be wondering, “What’s next?” The good news is that many treatment options are out there. These treatments are effective for most of the people who try them, although you may have to try more than one before you find the best treatment for you.
The most common depression treatments include:
- One-on-one counseling (usually cognitive behavioral therapy)
- Group counseling and support groups
- Doctor or psychiatrist examination
- Medical treatment
- Antidepressants or other medications
Many people suffering from depression combine two of these treatment options, or may even use all three. Some people also benefit from exercise routines, herbal remedies, meditation, or other alternative treatments.
It may feel a little overwhelming to consider all of these potential treatments, but you don’t have to try everything at once. A good first step is to make an appointment with a professional counselor who can help you form a plan of action. Remember, you don’t have to struggle alone.
