Treating Depression
There is hope.
One of the most common reasons people seek therapy is because they’re feeling depressed.
The cause of depression can sometimes be hard to explain. It can develop over years or become severe in a very short amount of time.
Depression can sometimes be caused by major life-changing events, most commonly:
- Loss of a relationship
- Loss of a job
- Death of a loved one
- A child leaving home
Feeling depressed because of any of the above events is perfectly normal. However, if the depression you’re feeling seems out of proportion to the event or lasts a long time, it’s time to seek professional help.
Depression or sadness? How to know the difference:
Sadness is a normal reaction that can happen when things in your life are dissatisfying or disappointing. You may feel sad because something upsetting happens or you’re experiencing a loss. When we feel sad we feel “dark, dull, and drab.” Depression is more penetrating and goes much lower than that.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Change of appetite (eating more or less)
- Excessive crying
- Anxiety
- Feeling lethargic or more fatigued than usual
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Loss of interest in sex
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Short-temperedness
- Difficulty feeling hopeful or seeing the “good and positive” in things
- Low self-esteem
If you’ve been experiencing any of the above symptoms for more than a few weeks, it’s probably time to seek help.