Are you always sad?Symptoms of depression are possible.Being sad for a day or two doesn't necessarily mean that you are depressed.Depression is a common psychological disorder that can affect daily functioning, and can go beyond feeling sad or blue.People with depression can't just "snap out of it"It can become overwhelming with mental, emotional, and physical symptoms.The good news is that there are ways to treat depression.
Step 1: The mental/emotional symptoms should be diagnosed.
Depression can be physically, mentally, and emotionally.Mental health professionals use a system to diagnose depression that includes experiencing a majority of the following symptoms across environments for 2 or more weeks.
Step 2: Pick out any suicidal thoughts.
Although suicidal thoughts are not necessary for a diagnosis of depression, they can be a symptom.Don't wait if you have thoughts of suicide or want to take your own life.If you need help, reach out to a friend or family member.Emergency services should be called if you are in danger of taking your life.You can go to the Emergency Department at the hospital.Mental health professionals can help you find ways to cope with thoughts of suicide, as well as create a plan to talk yourself down.Let your therapist know that you are having thoughts of suicide.The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Operators are told how to back down from suicide.
Step 3: Look for the physical symptoms.
Depression can cause a number of changes to your body and behavior.Mental health professionals look at physical symptoms to help diagnose depression.The majority of the symptoms of depression are similar to emotional/mental symptoms and can be experienced for 2 or more weeks.
Step 4: Take stock of any recent or long-term stressors.
Depression can be triggered by recent stressors.Positive events that can cause depression include moving, starting a new job, getting married, and having a baby.Changes in your body and mind can cause you to have a depressed episode.Depression can be caused by a traumatic event such as the loss of a child or a natural disaster.Depression can be caused by enduring childhood or adult physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.Substance use can cause depression.Depression can be triggered by health problems, such as receiving a major diagnosis.Depression is not caused by a stress event.Nothing can cause you to experience depression.
Step 5: Do you have a personal history?
If you have experienced symptoms of depression, you are more likely to experience depression again.Half of people who experience a depression will experience it again in their lifetime.Take a look at any periods of time that you experienced symptoms of depression.
Step 6: Discuss your family history.
There are links to depression in your immediate family.If you notice any symptoms of depression, look at your extended family.If anyone in your family has died by suicide or struggled with mental health problems, please note.Depression runs in families with a strong genetic component.It can put you at higher risk if you notice a strong occurrence of depression in your family.Every family has a link to mental health problems.If you have an aunt or parent who is struggling with mental health, you don't need to worry.
Step 7: Symptoms ofSAD can be observed.
During the cold and dark winter, you can feel a cloud of sadness, even though you are happy during the summer.When days become shorter and there is less sunlight, it's called SAD.The symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder are similar to those of SAD.Alaska, USA, has a higher rate of population withSAD due to the fact that it gets very little sunlight for a period of time.When available, take advantage of the sunlight.You can either get up early in the morning and go for a walk or take a quick lunch break.Nearly half of those with SAD don't get better with light therapy alone.There is more information on light therapy in How to Choose a Light Therapy Box.
Step 8: There are differences in teen depression.
Teens and adults experience depression in different ways.Teens may be more hostile when they are depressed.Depression in teens may be indicated by unexplained aches and pains.Increased sensitivity to criticism and sudden bouts of anger can be signs of depression.Dropping grades, withdrawal from friends, alcohol or drug use, and daily isolation are all signs of depression in teens.
Step 9: Symptoms of depression can be looked at.
Birth is a time when you can create a family and have a child.The stage after giving birth is not a jolly place for some women.The hormonal changes, physical changes and new role of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming.Approximately 10 to 15% of women experience depression after birth.For some women, depression sets in soon after birth, while for others, it begins within the first few months.Symptoms of depression include: Lack of interest in your baby, Negative feelings toward your child, and concern for yourself.
Step 10: Understand that there is a problem with depression.
Major Depressive Disorder is more severe than this type of depression, but it lasts longer.People with persistent depression usually have a depressed mood for 2 or more years.Depression persists throughout the duration of two years even though major depression may occur within the time frame.
Step 11: Symptoms of psychotic depression can be seen.
This type of depression occurs when a person experiences both depression and psychosis.Psychosis can include having false beliefs, such as believing you are the president or a spy, delusions, or seeing things that aren't reality.Death can be caused by psychotic depression because of the distance from reality.Call emergency services if you need help immediately.
Step 12: It's a good idea to recognize the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
The disorder is characterized by mood changes.A person can experience depression and mania at the same time.A person with a disorder changes their mood, behavior, and thinking.When experiencing mania, an individual may behave in unusual ways, such as quitting a job, making several large purchases, or working on projects for days with barely any sleep.Being unable to get out of bed, hold a job, or perform basic daily functions are some of the symptoms of depression.Seek professional help if you experience symptoms of the disorder.It is highly unlikely that symptoms will go away on their own.There are a number of symptoms of mania, such as feeling optimistic, being highly energetic despite little sleep, and thinking impulsivity.
Step 13: There are differences in depression between men and women.
Different depression symptoms can be experienced by males and females.Males are more likely to express anger than females are.It is possible to better understand what symptoms you are experiencing by being aware of this.Feelings of anger, increased alcohol/drug intake, and inability to meet responsibilities in work or family care are some of the common symptoms.Mood swings, periods of crying, and feelings of sadness and guilt are some of the common symptoms.
Step 14: Seek help for a mental health problem.
If you are struggling with depression or unsure of your emotional state, seek therapy.Therapy is an effective treatment for depression, as it helps you to explore possible causes, overcome your negative feelings, and begin to feel and behave normally again.Cognitive-behavior therapy is very effective at treating depression.It helps you get rid of your negative thoughts.In a more supportive way, you can learn to re-interpret your environment.
Step 15: Consider consulting with a doctor.
Therapy and medication can help treat symptoms of depression.There are risks to taking medication and it is not a cure-all.If you want to learn more about antidepressants, you should seek the help of a doctor or a Psychiatrist.Discuss possible side effects with your prescriber.If you notice an increase in suicidality, speak to your prescriber.If you start taking medication for depression, don't stop taking it right away.As directed by your prescriber.
Step 16: You should avoid isolating yourself.
If you struggle with depression, it is important that you feel loved and supported.Spending time with friends can help you feel better when you are depressed.Make time for your friends when you're depressed.You can join a support group.Information about depression and how to find a support group can be found at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Step 17: Don't forget to exercise.
A growing body of research supports the benefits of exercise for treating depression.Exercise can help alleviate symptoms of depression and prevent it from happening in the future, according to some studies.Depression can make it hard to motivate yourself to go to the gym or walk, but you can still get some exercise.It is possible to walk 20-40 minutes each day.Walk your dog every day for double the happiness boost.You will not regret putting in the effort if you struggle to find motivation to be active.It is rare for a person to leave the gym and think, "I wasted my time, I should not have gone."Accountability can help you get to the gym.
Step 18: You can manage your stress.
Depression can be prevented by managing stress.Social media does not count, so make a daily practice to do something that relaxes you.Try yoga, meditation, tai chi, or muscle relaxation techniques.You can use your creativity to draw, paint, or sew.Reduce Stress is a good place to find more information.