Depression

Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. It’s a bummer that people only think depression means you’re sad or they tell me “it’s not a big deal,” when really my brain makes it a big deal and my body is numb, I’m overwhelmed and exhausted.

Depression is the most complicated of all our emotions and yet one of the most common psychological problems a person can experience. Someone has called it the “common cold” of the emotions. It’s a feeling of gloom or sadness that is usually accompanied by a slowing down of the body. It is not just in the mind, but is experienced throughout the whole body. It’s in the stomach as much as in the head.

10 Things Everyone NEEDS to Understand About Depression:

  1. You can’t just “get over it”

  2. Depression isn’t made up–its a real illness

  3. People with depression can still be high-functioning

  4. Depression is common–just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean someone isn’t suffering in silence

  5. People with depression are unwell, not crazy

  6. Depression doesn’t make you “ungrateful,” “weak,” or “lazy'“

  7. Depression is more than feeling sad–it affects your entire body

  8. People with depression are NOT attention seekers

  9. If someone with depression has a “good day” it doesn’t mean they no longer have depression

  10. Depression doesn’t discriminate–it can happen to literally anyone

Symptoms

Different people have different symptoms. Some symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities

  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or being “slowed down”

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

  • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

  • Appetite and/or weight changes

  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

  • Restlessness or irritability

  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

Warning Signs

  • Noticeable change in eating habits

  • Sleep too much or can’t sleep at night

  • Loss of interest in things once enjoyed

  • Loss of energy, fatigue

  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt

  • Using alcohol or drugs to feel better

  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die

  • Overwhelming feeling of sadness or hopelessness, uncontrolled crying

  • Chronic negativism, feeling irritable

  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions