Getting Out of Depression Unscathed
No one wants to be depressed. It can leave you feeling hopeless even when you know things could be better. Family and friends may think that they are being helpful, tell you to “snap out of it”, though this is less than productive. Depression can leave you feeling awful, thinking you’re flawed or weak in character. Depression is not weakness, it is a medical condition that requires treatment, though our self-talk may tell us otherwise.
When you are struggling with depressive symptoms, you can have little energy to be functional. Personal hygiene, eating, sleeping, or interacting with your family, friends, and people in the workplace could feel like a chore. You may feel hopeless and think that overcoming depression is impossible. According to the experts of WebMD, “breaking the cycle of depression is the only way to reclaim your life.” How do you break the cycle?
Recognize the Symptoms Early
Sadness is one of the main symptoms of depression, but it is far more than feeling “the blues.” Some people may not feel very sad at all, or if they have been sad a long time, it isn’t something they readily recognize as a depressive sign. In order to break the cycle of depression, you need to recognize the symptoms.
The National Institute of Mental Health says that if you have these symptoms “most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression.”
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- 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
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
Treat Depression Sooner Rather Than Later
Time is critical. Delaying action can make your symptoms get worse. Seeing a therapist right away may be your best line of defense.
If your symptoms are mild to moderate, promptly seeking therapy can prevent them from worsening. Like many conditions, the longer depression goes untreated the more difficult it can be to treat and go into remission.
Find the Right Therapist for You
Finding a therapist that is the right fit for you and your needs is important. No two people are alike. You may be thinking “I’ve tried therapy before, it wasn’t for me” That’s a fair point, however, it may be that the therapist was not a good fit for you, not that therapy isn’t a good fit for you.
The chance of success in therapy is higher when you trust your therapist. This means attending sessions, using the therapy tools, making changes and doing any “homework” (if recommended) in between sessions. It means coming back and seeing your therapist as scheduled to stay connected and to allow your therapist to help you make progress. It also means staying informed and learning everything you need to know to actively take part in decision making.
Remission with the Right Help
Depression can make you feel miserable. You don’t want to get used to its symptoms or the kind of life it gives you. Finding the therapist that is right for you can help. Call Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC, to find the right professional who has experience, training, and could just be the right therapist for you. Call today and schedule your first appointment.
Related Articles:
Depression in Older Adults: Rediscovering a New Purpose
Is Your Teen at Risk for Depression?
Managing Depression as a Couple
What Can you Do to Help Your Depressed Child