Everyone has bad days or even bad weeks. When you go through a traumatic experience, such as a global pandemic or the loss of a loved one, it is normal to feel sad or down. Feeling sad is a part of the human experience. However, for some people, the sadness just won’t go away. How do you know if you’re experiencing depression?
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Many people equivocate sadness with depression, but depression actually does not always include sadness, and being sad does not automatically mean that you are depressed. According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), common symptoms of clinical depression are:
- Having feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or futility
- Losing pleasure in activities you typically enjoy
- Changes in eating habits – can cause either weight loss or weight gain
- Lack of energy or constantly feeling tired
- Interruption of sleep – can be sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
- Irritability or fits of anger
- Difficulties in concentrating or making decisions
- Nagging thoughts of guilt, shame, remorse, or other negative thinking
- Pacing, inability to sit still, or other uncontrolled physical movements
- Slowed speech or movements
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
How Long Can Symptoms Last?
The symptoms of depression can last for a short time, or weeks or even months at a time. According to NIMH, if your symptoms last for two weeks or more, your symptoms are classified as depression. Depression will rarely go away on its own. While there are changes that you can make in both diet and exercise to help your symptoms, depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Until this imbalance changes, your depression is likely to last.
When Should I Be Worried?
There are two main reasons to be worried about depression symptoms. The first is the risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts can hit at any time when you are depressed. Suicidal thoughts and ideation can become dangerous within an hour or two, or they may not be dangerous for weeks or longer. According to NIMH, suicide is a leading cause of death in teens and young adults and has increased in older adults as well. Treating depression early is imperative if you’re having suicidal thoughts.
You may also become worried when your depression interferes with your day-to-day life. Are you missing work or school? Are you struggling to function in whatever capacity you are needed? Does sleep dysfunction or the changes in appetite affect your overall health? Is your depression interfering with your relationships? Your ability to function and your overall quality of life are reasons to take action on depression in yourself or someone else.
When Should I Seek Help?
Typically, if your symptoms persist for two weeks or longer, you should seek help from a licensed psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a doctor for your brain and is the most qualified to diagnose and treat depression. Other times to seek help are when your symptoms affect your quality of life, basic ability to function, or your relationships at home, work, or elsewhere. While some experience only temporary depression, some may have depression long-term.
The time to seek immediate treatment for you or yourself is when there are suicidal thoughts. Harming yourself is a very real threat with depression and requires immediate medical treatment. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, it is important to call for an ambulance or go straight to an emergency room.
(If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, tell a loved one, friend, or trusted individual or call local law enforcement at 911 immediately. California residents can call the helpline numbers from California Mental Health Resources. Do not wait.)
How is Depression Treated?
Typically, depression is treated by prescribing antidepressant medication. While there is a lot of stigma around mental health diagnoses and medications, there are plenty of very effective medications with few or even no side effects. Your doctor can talk to you about the risks and benefits of medications for you and your health. You may also wish to exercise more or improve your diet and sleep routines to help alleviate your depression. Your doctor may have more suggestions to help as you explore your diagnosis together.
Can Substance Use Affect Depression?
While the phrase “drink your sorrows away” may be a common thought process when you are experiencing depressive symptoms, using substances while depressed can exacerbate your symptoms, including your risk of suicide. The natural tendency to self-medicate can actually make your depression worse. Likewise, when you are receiving medical treatment for depression, it is important to abstain from substance use.
How do you know if you’re depressed? When you have depressive symptoms for two weeks or more, you are likely depressed. Getting treatment from a doctor is important due to the risk of suicide that is inherent with depression. Seeking immediate treatment is necessary if you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide. Depression can impact your quality of life and overall ability to function. While many people try to self-medicate their depression with substances, it is important not to use substances when you are depressed or receiving treatment for depression. If you are struggling with substance abuse and need help to quit, Rancho Milagro Recovery is here for you. Our Temecula, California ranch is a perfect place for you to seek treatment for substance abuse. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to talk to our friendly and compassionate staff about making changes in your life. We believe that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.