The Many Faces of Depression
The many faces of depression can cause a work in your life. Around this time of year when it gets cloudy, rainy, and cold, many individuals can begin to feel “depressed”. You’ve probably heard of depression before, may struggle with it yourself, or know someone who does, but what is depression really? What does it look like?
Well, depression can look and feel different from one person to the next. Depression has many faces. As a family member, friend, or coworker you may never know if the person next to you is struggling with depression because they look fine on the outside. They seem “okay”, but depression, like many mental health disorders, is not always apparent.
We all go through various struggles, losses, or events in our life, leading us to feel down, sad, or overwhelmed. However, depression is more than just feeling down. Depression can change how you think, feel, and act in your day to day life. It causes feelings of hopelessness or despair that won’t go away, inferring with your ability to work, sleep, eat, engage with others, and enjoy life.
Although depression and depressive symptoms can look different with each person, there are some common symptoms. These symptoms are sometimes related to feeling down. But, if these symptoms are persistent and occur frequently, then this may be an indication you are experiencing depression.
- Depressed mood most of the day, almost every day.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Withdrawing or isolating yourself from others
- Decrease or increase appetite
- Increase in restlessness or slowed movements
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless or guilt (self-blame)
- Difficulty falling asleep or excessive sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or hurting yourself
Many Faces of Depression
There are also different types of depression that develop under certain circumstances.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): This is when an individual experiences a persistent depressed mood lasting for at least two years.
- Postpartum Depression: More than the “baby blues”, this is when mother’s experience major depression during pregnancy or after delivery.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: This is characterized by the onset of winter months, resulting in depressive symptoms that emerge and resolve with the change of season. These symptoms return every year around the same time.
- Bipolar Disorder: Different from depression, individuals with Bipolar experience episodes of low moods (bipolar depression) and extreme highs (mania).
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, just know help is available and you can feel better. Although there is no one size fits all approach, it is important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about the symptoms you are experiencing as soon as possible. Counseling (psychotherapy) and/or medication can help you reduce symptoms and improve your mood.
If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call 1-800-273-TALK, your doctor or a mental health professional. If you are reluctant to reach out, talk to someone you love, know, or trust. You don’t have to struggle alone.
