I'm Just Not Sure That I'm Depressed

“I’m Just Not Sure That I’m Depressed”

The Difference between Sad and Depressed

I was moved to write this blog because I want the definition of depression to be well known. I want people to acknowledge when they are sad and acknowledge when that sadness has gone too far. If you are unsure if your sadness is depression, #ItsNotJustYou!

First things first, I want you to know that it is okay to be sad. Sometimes sad events happen and the normal response is sadness…even extreme sadness is normal. Sadness is depression when it begins to cause distress and dysfunction. Depression changes your life by causing negative symptoms that get in your way.

Depression can first be diagnosed after two weeks of constant sadness, but it can last for months and even years. It can also become more severe and debilitating over time if it is not treated.

Causes

Depression is caused by changes in the brain. These changes can be biological because of family history of mental illness or it can be triggered by trauma, stressors, or life changes. At times, depression can happen when it seems like “everything is going right.”

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of depression are:

  • Feeling low and empty for most of the day, every day

  • Feeling irritable for most of the day, every day

  • Apathy: lost of interest in appetite or weight loss

  • Changes in appetite or weight

  • Change in sleep

  • Changes in activeness

  • Feeling exhausted, even with adequate sleep

  • Speaking or moving slowly

  • Fidgeting or pacing

  • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

  • Feelings of extreme guilt

  • Difficulty focusing, thinking, or making decisions

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

You do not have to experience all of these symptoms to be suffering from depression. Everyone with depression experiences it differently.

Treatment 

Depression can be treated in a lot of different ways. For most people, a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication helps. Since depression is unique for every person, treatment is as well. A few of the treatment options are:

  • Lifestyle changes

  • Therapy

  • Support

  • Medication

  • Device-based treatment

Depression is treatable. You can seek professional help from a doctor or a therapist. If this article resonated with you at all, I’d like to start by saying, #ItsNotJustYou and you can get the help that you need! Seek help today; you do not have to suffer in silence! Call 911, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, or text HELP to 741-741 to talk to a trained counselor from Crisis Text Line, if you feel that need immediate help. If you are in the Texas area and feel that you are in need of therapist, feel free to book a free in person or teletherapy consultation on the “Book an Appointment” page on my site!

Resources:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

American Psychiatric Association. What is Depression? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

Mental Health, PsychoeducationZamaria JohnTherapy, Therapy Thoughts, Texas Therapy, Austin Counseling, Austin Therapy, Austin Therapist, Counselor, Counseling, Christian Counseling, Mental Health, Houston Therapy, San Antonio Therapy, Houston, Zamaria Venzant, Zamaria John, Depression, Depressed, Sad1 Comment