Depression

Many clients wonder if they are experiencing normal situational sadness or depression.  Ask yourself these questions:

• How often are you sad or in a depressed mood?
• How often do you experience guilt or an irritable mood?
• Do you find it harder than usual to do things?
• Do you have trouble concentrating?
• Do you have suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts of death?
• Do you suffer from low self-esteem or self-critical thoughts?

These are a few questions we use to assess where you are emotionally and see if you are suffering from depression.  If you relate to several of these questions, you may be struggling with depression.

Symptoms of depression can include any or all of the following:

• Changes in appetite: significant weight loss or gain
• Changes in sleep: sleeping too much or not able to sleep
• Feeling restless or feeling slowed down
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Decreased ability to think or concentrate, indecisiveness, or feeling “foggy-headed”
• Recurrent thoughts of death

It’s normal to feel sad.  Life throws all of us curveballs and challenges.  Sadness and happiness are part of this experience.  Depression is different. Depression affect appetite, sleep, energy and feelings of who you are.  A depressed mood will linger much longer than the event that caused sadness. Depression can bring sadness and loneliness without any event or reason to feel sad.  Depression brings feelings that are difficult if not impossible to control without help. It can be hard to differentiate between normal sadness and depression so let’s talk about you and what you are experiencing. I can help you with your goals.

Above all if you are having thoughts about wanting to die or feeling like you want to harm or kill yourself, seek immediate help. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If depression is hindering your ability to have healthy and happy relationships, and affecting everyday life please reach out to me! Let’s talk today!