How You Know You Have Depression

Bipolar I And Ii Disorders

Bipolar disorders can cause individuals to suffer from mood swings, which range from hypomania or mania to major depression. Trained health professionals can sometimes struggle to tell the difference between bipolar disorders and major depressive disorder since most people do not visit their doctors when they experience hypomanic moods. An affected individual often only seeks treatment when he experiences a depressed mood.

Check Your Ability To Function As Usual

The biggest gauge of clinical depression is how your life is being impacted. If you cannot function as usual on a daily basis, its a big indication of a major depressive episode. Some people with depression dont want to work, interact with others or get out of bed. Sometimes this change may be more obvious to the people around you than to yourself.

When I meet a patient for the first time and we have a conversation about whats going on, I ask if that persons friends, family and co-workers have noticed a change in them, Sowa says.

Because depression often takes time to develop, the changes may not seem as drastic to you, or you may try to rationalize them away. Its important to listen to your loved ones about depression symptoms they may see in you.

Because we are living in such stressful times, more people are reporting symptoms of depression. The COVID-19 pandemic and other crises in the news, including systemic racial injustice and natural disasters, can make it harder to maintain mental health. Whether you think you have clinical depression or not, its a good idea to speak to your doctor about how youre feeling, Sowa says.

Nate Sowa, M.D., Ph.D., is an assistant professor of psychiatry in the UNC School of Medicine and the director of the department of psychiatrys Virtual Care and Integrated Behavioral Health.

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Different Types Of Depression

There are different types of depression, and there are some conditions where depression is a symptom. These conditions include:

• Bipolar disorder people with bipolar disorder, which is also known as “manic depression”, experience times of depression, where the symptoms are similar to clinical depression. They also go through phases when they have excessively high moods . Bouts of mania can include harmful behaviour like unsafe sex, spending sprees and gambling.
• Seasonal affective disorder is also called “winter depression”. It’s depression that is related to weather, usually winter, so it happens seasonally.
• Postnatal depression happens to some women after they’ve had a baby. It’s treated similarly to other types of depression, with antidepressant medication and talking therapy.

Learn more about how depression is diagnosed here.

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A Lack Of Standardization

Quantitative scales help researchers measure and organize symptoms, as well as designate a cutoff point for whats considered severe depression for the purpose of a specific study. However, methodologies vary between studies and researchers, meaning there isnt a single definition of severe depression across the board.

A lack of standardization means that if a persons depression symptoms are assessed with different scales by different providers, the diagnosis may not be consistent. Some providers dont use them in clinical practice unless a patient is taking medications, whereas others use them regularly.

Which Types Of Talk Therapy Work Best For Depression

• Behavioral activation therapy The aim of this type of therapy is to reverse the downward spiral of depression by encouraging you to seek out experiences and activities that give you joy.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT focuses on changing specific negative thought patterns so that you are able to better respond to challenging and stressful situations.
• Interpersonal therapy This very structured, time-limited form of therapy focuses on identifying and improving problematic personal relationships and circumstances directly related to your current depressive mood.
• Problem-solving therapy This therapy is a form of CBT that teaches take-charge skills that help you solve real-life problems and stressors, big and small, that contribute to depression.
• Self-management/self-control therapy This type of behavioral therapy trains you to lessen your negative reactions to events and reduce your self-punishing behaviors and thoughts.

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Five Warning Signs Of Depression Everyone Should Know About

If you believe that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, there are a few signs that can help validate your concerns. Below, we detail five warning signs of depression.

1. Unexplained Pain

Depression does not only affect a persons mental health. It can also have a negative impact on a persons physical well-being. For example, common warning signs of depression are the physical symptoms of unexplained aches and pains. A recent study on symptoms of depression shows that 69% of people who meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis first visit their doctors for unexplained aches and pains. The most common complaints include joint pain, bloating, and backaches.

2. Inability to Concentrate

Almost everyone experiences some brain fog and forgetfulness. However, people who live with depression often experience an extreme lack of focus. The lack of focus is often so bad that the person becomes unable to perform their everyday duties at work and home. There may be periods when the person makes more mistakes than usual or has trouble making decisions.

3. Too Much or Too Little Sleep

Another warning sign of depression is not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep. It is important to note that sleep disorders, such as insomnia, do not cause depression. However, sleep disorders can play a significant role in mood fluctuations and instability.

4. Changes in Appetite

5. Moodiness and Irritability

Helping A Suicidal Friend Or Relative

If you see any of the above warning signs:

• get professional help for the person
• let them know they’re not alone and that you care about them
• offer your support in finding other solutions to their problems

If you feel there is an immediate danger, stay with the person or have someone else stay with them, and remove all available means of committing suicide, such as medication.

Over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers can be just as dangerous as prescription medication.

Also, remove sharp objects and poisonous household chemicals such as bleach.

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Avoiding Friends And Family

Do you find yourself ducking social situations because you feel like you just cant muster the energy to hold up your end of a conversation? Is it hard to go to a family gathering and smile like youre having a good time? People with depression tend to socially isolate themselves, which studies say is twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity.

Persistent Irritability Or Mood Swings

Depression can cause us to experience outbursts and mood swings. One minute were angry, the next were crying uncontrollably or we shut down and go numb. Changes in our mood can switch in a moments notice. Sometimes these changes can be triggered by small or insignificant challenges, while other times they can come about unprovoked. If you notice a pattern of irritability or mood swings that last more than a few days, it may be linked to depression.

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Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital Helps Those Living With Depression

At Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we specialize in treating depression and other mood disorders. We offer inpatient treatment programs and intensive outpatient treatment programs, too. To get started at our facility, please call us at 755-4907 to speak with one of our intake specialists.

A Feeling Of Emptiness Or Sadness

Feeling empty or sad can sometimes be physically visible, and a person can appear to have sunken, listless eyes and a curved or hunched posture. Those affected with depression will often have crying spells or cry very easily, and will often have feelings of pessimism, blame and low self-esteem.

It’s also common to feel useless, and therefore people who develop depression tend to isolate themselves from their family or, in more serious cases, contemplate solutions like suicide.

People with depression typically report that their sadness feels different this time as it does not improve with attitudes or actions that would normally help them feel better. Sadness is often felt with feelings of emptiness, apathy, disinterest and a lack of motivation to complete activities of daily living.

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What Is Ketamine Therapy And How Does It Work For Depression Here’s What To Know

Since depression comes in many forms, treating this mental health condition isnt a one-size-fits-all approach. With a wide variety of treatment methods, it can take time to find the one that works best for you.

One type of therapy that has been gaining traction in the medical community is ketamine therapy. But what is ketamine? Originally used as an anesthetic for many years, ketamine is now being recognized for its ability to improve mental health.

In fact, researchers at the Yale School of Medicine discovered that one subanesthetic dose of ketamine reduced symptoms of depression and in some instances led to nearly a full recovery in less than one day.

Are There Other Therapies To Treat Symptoms Of Depression

There are other treatments your doctor may consider. Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a treatment option for people whose symptoms don’t get better with medicine or who have severe depression and need treatment right away.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, involves using a noninvasive device that is held above the head to induce the magnetic field. It targets a specific part of the brain that can trigger depression.

With vagus nerve stimulation, or VMS, a pacemaker-like device is surgically implanted under the collarbone to deliver regular impulses to the brain.

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What Are The Different Antidepressants And How Do They Work

• SSRI This category of drug includes fluoxetine , citalopram , and sertraline and targets serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control mood, appetite, and sleep.
• SNRI SNRIs include drugs like duloxetine , desvenlafaxine , and venlafaxine , which block the reabsorption of both serotonin and another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine.
• NDRI This class of medications includes bupropion.
• TCA TCAs include such drugs as imipramine and nortriptyline . These drugs were among the earliest antidepressants to come on the market. These days, doctors generally only turn to them when treatment with SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs has failed.
• MAOI MAOIs, including phenelzine and isocarboxazid , were the first antidepressants developed. Theyre rarely used today, in part because people who take them require careful monitoring to prevent negative interactions with certain foods and other medications.

All antidepressants can have side effects, but some may be more problematic than others. You may need to try several different medications, or a combination, guided by your doctor, before you find what works best for you.

How To Know If You Are Depressed: 11 Signs To Notice And When To Get Help

A person can feel down but not realize they are experiencing symptoms of depression. Since depression affects people differently, it is essential to understand what to look for and when to seek help. It is common to feel sad or lonely, especially when dealing with life struggles or personal loss. But when such feelings become overwhelming and affect your emotional and physical well-being, they may keep you from living a productive lifestyle. When you notice these changes, it is time to seek help.

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Treatment: Psychotherapy For Depression Symptoms

In essence, psychotherapy helps you get to the bottom of the depression symptoms, understand how depression affects your life, and cultivate healthy habits that will keep your depression at bay.

In general, experts believe therapy is an excellent treatment option for mild forms of depression, and most professionals specialize in depression or have experience working with people who are experiencing depression. When it comes to severe clinical depression, healthcare professionals recommend a psychiatric consultation followed by antidepressant medication to tackle the depression. This balance of treatment medications and therapy can help with the pain of depression while understanding the thoughts and feelings.

Aside from individual therapy, patients with depression can benefit greatly from family and couples therapy. Theres also group therapy for depression which brings together people who suffer from the same condition, creating a community that tests and provides mutual support for depression.

What You Can Do To Feel Better

When youre depressed, it can feel like theres no light at the end of the tunnel. But there are many things you can do to lift and stabilize your mood. The key is to start with a few small goals and slowly build from there, trying to do a little more each day. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there by making positive choices for yourself.

Reach out to other people. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to friends and loved ones, even if you feel like being alone or dont want to be a burden to others. The simple act of talking to someone face-to-face about how you feel can be an enormous help. The person you talk to doesnt have to be able to fix you. They just need to be a good listenersomeone wholl listen attentively without being distracted or judging you.

Get moving. When youre depressed, just getting out of bed can seem daunting, let alone exercising. But regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication in countering the symptoms of depression. Take a short walk or put some music on and dance around. Start with small activities and build up from there.

Eat a mood boosting diet. Reduce your intake of foods that can adversely affect your mood, such as caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, sugar and refined carbs. And increase mood-enhancing nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids.

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How Is Depression Treated

Depression treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, or both. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, brain stimulation therapy may be another treatment option. In milder cases of depression, treatment might begin with psychotherapy alone, and medication added if the individual continues to experience symptoms. For moderate or severe depression, many mental health professionals recommend a combination of medication and therapy at the start of treatment.

Choosing the right treatment plan should be based on a persons individual needs and medical situation under a providers care. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you. You can learn more about the different types of treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, and brain stimulation therapies on the NIMH’s depression webpage. For information on finding a mental health professional and questions to ask when considering therapy, visit NIMHs psychotherapies webpage.

Take A Mental Health Test

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.

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How Big Will The Hurricane Be When It Hits Florida

Too soon to say. Tropical Depression Nine is fighting significant wind shear which is keeping its development down for now. But the National Weather Service expects it to become a tropical storm by Friday night and to begin rapidly getting stronger Sunday and Monday. The official forecast, as of early Friday afternoon, is for the storm to reach Category 3 strength by early Wednesday.

Lack Of Energy And Constant Fatigue

A lack of energy and constant fatigue can impede a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, eating, or going to work or school. This is often a sign of depression, and the additional lack of motivation to perform these activities may mean the depression is worsening.

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Seek Support For Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is often not recognised and can go on for months or even years if left untreated. Its important to seek support as early as possible, as the sooner a person gets treatment, the sooner they can recover.

Untreated depression can have many negative effects on a persons life, including serious relationship and family problems, difficulty finding and holding down a job, and drug and alcohol problems.

There is no one proven way that people recover from depression. However, there is a range of effective treatments and health professionals who can help people on the road to recovery.

There are also many things that people with depression can do for themselves to help them recover and stay well. The important thing is to find the right treatment and the right health professional for a persons needs.

Wait Until It Feels Comfortable

Take your time and do it when it feels right. When you feel ready, the best way to start is to tell them you have something important that you want to talk about, so they know not to take the conversation lightly. Also, its important to be clear whether or not you want them to keep the information to themselves at this stage.

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Whats The Difference Between Grief And Depression

Given that the primary symptom associated with depression is sadness, it can be easy to think of grief or bereavement as depression. But grief is a natural response to specific experiences, such as the end of a relationship or the death of a loved one. While you might feel regret or remorse, and you might withdraw from usual activities if you are experiencing grief, youre unlikely to feel the overwhelming sense of worthlessness, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and other symptoms of depression. Another important difference is that in grief, painful feelings usually come in waves and are often mixed with positive memories.

American Family Physician