Imagine being in a darkened theater, watching a suspenseful thriller. The main character steps quietly toward danger, unaware and unsuspecting of what lies ahead. The music, the camera angles, and other clues tell you that something bad is going to happen, yet they keep walking straight toward their potential doom. Perhaps they sense it, too, but their senses do not stop them from continuing. You want to warn them, and perhaps others in the theater actually do yell out warnings, but to no avail. Everything has been set in motion, and the character is going to face that impending danger.
Depression can be like a suspenseful thriller, although without all of the music and drama to clue you in as to what is coming. It can start simply and quietly and progress slowly over time, ensnaring you in its web, or it can hit quite suddenly and catch you completely off guard.
Either way, like the unsuspecting character in the movie, you may step unknowingly into its trap. At that point, you are merely playing the odds as to whether you will escape with anywhere from minimal to serious damage to your life, or whether you will become another suicide statistic. So when do you seek help for depression?
Recognizing the Subtleties of Depression
Depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, where serotonin may be produced, but the synapses are not firing correctly to ensure it gets to where it needs to be to maintain a balance. Depression can also be caused by external forces, such as loss, stress, or trauma, in which outside events create enough stressors to cause an imbalance in the brain. Another cause of depression is a genetic predisposition. There may be other causes as well.
In all of these circumstances, a set of emotional and physiological events are set in place to cause you to become depressed. However, these are rarely things that can be detected on the outside. Beginning with the chemical changes in the brain, a slow but steady increase in negative thinking, and the often subtle onset of physical symptoms, depression can be quiet and very difficult to detect in the early stages.
What are the Warning Signs of Depression?
Not unlike a thriller movie, there usually are little signs of depression, they just often go unrecognized, especially as a group of symptoms. Things to watch out for in yourself or in others who you love include:
- Low energy or constant fatigue
- Sleep interruption – hypersomnia or insomnia
- Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
- Changes in diet and eating habits, including weight loss or gain
- Inability to focus or make decisions
- Restlessness, pacing, or fidgeting
- Feelings of worthlessness or uselessness
- Angry outbursts or irritability
- Chronic unexplained pain such as headaches or digestive problems
- Slowing of movements or speech
- Suicidality or attempted suicide
Depression is often confused with sadness, but sadness is not always a symptom of depression. If you notice at least five of these symptoms which last for two weeks or more, chances are very good that you have depression in some form.
Knowing the Risks of Depression
The elephant-in-the-room risk of depression is obviously suicide. In the United States, suicide is in the top five causes of death for ages from 10 through 44. Yet suicide is one of the more preventable causes of death. The best way to prevent suicide is to be able to recognize and treat depression, both in yourself and others.
Suicide is not the only consequence of depression, however. There are short and long-term physical, emotional, and mental dangers as well, including:
- Loss of job, family, or other relationships
- Substance use or abuse
- Increased risks of stroke, heart, and other serious cardiopulmonary issues
- Diabetes, obesity, or eating disorders
- Social isolation, difficulty making or keeping relationships
- Lower self-esteem
Knowing When it is Time to Seek Help
Like the oblivious character in the suspenseful movie, you may be the last to notice the warning signs of depression. However, as you learn more about depression and how it may affect you, you will be better prepared to take action.
Listen to the concerns of others in your life, they are like the people in the theater who can see the warning signs that you may not be able to. Most importantly, do not run the risk of waiting until it is too late. Watch for the signs of depression and be willing to seek help rather than wait to be sure. Your life could literally depend upon it.
Depression can sneak up and grab hold of you before you even realize what is happening. Learning the symptoms of depression and what to watch out for can help prevent serious consequences. In addition to the known risks of suicide and suicide attempts, there are other short and long-term risks of untreated depression. Educating yourself and others will help with the early detection and treatment of depression, which in turn could be lifesaving for you or your loved ones. Rancho Milagro Recovery is a facility that treats both substance abuse and co-occurring depression. Our serene Southern California ranch setting offers the opportunity to find a treatment plan that is customized to your specific needs. We also have loving and compassionate rescue animals that can contribute to your healing process and help you reconnect with yourself and with others. Contact our kind and caring staff at (951) 526-4582 to discuss how we can help you heal from addiction and depression.