The Blues or depression - how can you tell the difference?
Many people struggle with periods of sadness or normal grief. These ups and downs are a normal part of being a human being with emotions. However, when these periods of sadness last longer than a couple weeks or intensify than you may be struggling with clinical depression. How can you tell the difference? According to the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) if you experience any of the below symptoms then you might be clinically depressed:
- Diminished interest in many activities you used to enjoy
- Poor appetite and/or a significant weight loss or gain (not attributed to dieting)
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Low energy or feelings of restlessness
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Poor concentration or indeciveness
- Irritability
- Hopelessness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (If you are experiencing this symptom, please contact your local emergency room or call 911 for immediate attention).
Okay, that sounds like me, now what? What can I do?
The good news is that you do not have to feel like this any more! Depression is one of the most effectively treated mental health problems today. Short term psychotherapy or counseling can assist you in discovering the triggers to your depression and to learn methods to cope and move forward. Therapy is about change and resuming the old life you used to enjoy or beginning a new life!
You are taking a positive step today by visiting this website! Just pick up the phone and together we can determine if further help is needed.