Happiness is a goal most people try to reach every day. For some, they never have to work at this at all. They’re just happy go lucky all the time. You may ask yourself, “What is their secret?”
Do you wake up in the morning and immediately, filled with dread? Well, that may be normal if your suffering the loss of a loved one, a job, or something has happened recently in your life, such as a tragic event. This depression is commonly known as situational depression, which simply means in time the dark sadness you’re feeling in your life will pass when you have time to heal and your situation will get better. Although, if depression runs in your family, you may have a predisposition to having clinical depression and you can be triggered into clinical depression.
There are many different forms of depression, such as postpartum depression (commonly known as baby blues) and atypical depression, seen in the teenage year’s. One of the signs are a diminished ability to show or feel pleasure. In seasonal depression, major causes are not enough sunlight, such as in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As I mentioned above, a situational depression would be triggered by the environment, lifestyle, or experiencing a tragic event.
All these can become a serious illness and require a mental health professional, but not always. So, if you are feeling any of these signs it’s safe to say you should seek medical attention and alert your Doctor about your your feelings, so you can get the proper diagnosis and the help you need.
Let’s talk about Clinical Depression. Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder. This kind of depression is a psychological disorder that can only be helped by mental health professionals.
If you have any of these signs, you may have Clinical Depression and it would be beneficial to seek a professional for help. Don’t be embarrassed. There is help out there, you are not alone.
- Feelings of guilt worthlessness and helplessness
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Do you find yourself oversleeping or do you have bouts with Insomnia (not being able to sleep)?
- Thoughts of suicide or attempts
- Overeating, or not eating at all
- Feeling sad, lonely, or empty
- Irritability, or restlessness
- Persistent aches and pains, headaches, digestive disorders
- Feeling your life has no purpose
- Having trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Anxiety is often associated with depression
If you have answered yes to some of these statements listed above, it may be a sign you have Clinical Depression and it would be beneficial to seek a professional for help. Don’t be embarrassed. There is help out there.
Here are some warning signs to look for, if you or a loved one are experiencing some of these thoughts or actions, it could be a sign of suicidal thoughts and time to look for professional help.
- Suddenly giving away personal or precious items
- Pre-planning, such as putting certain affairs in order, changes to a will or tying up loose ends
- Talking about death
- You might notice a new calmness, peaceful feeling, or suddenly happy (coming to peace with their decision to commit suicide)
Recognizing your symptoms of depression is the first step to getting help. It would be wise to visit your primary doctor and discuss further treatment. Your doctor can refer you to the proper mental health professionals.
Not getting treatment can be life-threatening. Nearly one out of 10 people with major depression will commit suicide.
Again you are not alone. Reach out and seek help there are people that really care don’t lose hope.
Available 24 hours a day the National Suicide Hotline: suicide hotline