DEPRESSION
Break through the clouds.
What is Depression?
Depression can feel like a persistent rain cloud that hovers over your head, dampening your spirits and obscuring the sun. It's a voice in your head that whispers lies, telling you that you're worthless, that you're a burden, that you'll never be happy again.
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, and may cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and chronic pain. Depression can vary in severity and duration, and can interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. It can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. While depression is a common condition, it is treatable or manageable through a combination of therapy and lifestyle changes.
O2 Counseling offers valuable assistance in managing depression by providing essential support and practical tools. After assessing depressive symptoms, our therapists address both the surface-level symptoms and the possible underlying issues such as past traumas, unhealed emotional wounds, internalized shame or unresolved grief.
“Depression is being colorblind and constantly told how colorful the world is.”
—Atticus poetry
How do I know if I am Depressed?
Depression doesn't feel the same to everyone. Here is a list of questions that may indicate you are experiencing some form of depression. With each question, think about how you've been feeling over the last 2 weeks.
Do you feel sad, empty or hopeless?
Are you quick to anger or are frequently irritable or frustrated?
Are you experiencing a loss of interest or pleasure in most of your normal activities?
Are you isolating or withdrawing from others?
Do you have insomnia or sleep too much?
Are you having trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things?
Do normal tasks take extra effort like showering or getting dressed?
Do you feel worthless or unimportant a lot of the time?
Are you fixating on the past?
Do you have recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts?
If you answer yes to some of these questions, you might be experiencing some type of depression and suggest you ask for help. No one deserves to feel this way. We can help you move through or manage these symptoms so you can feel yourself again.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support from a trained counselor.
Or if you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Are there different types of Depression?
There are various types of depression, each with unique characteristics and symptoms. By learning about the different types of depression, individuals can gain a better understanding of their own mental health and explore treatment options with their healthcare provider.
Clinical Depression, also referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the main category of depression. However, under MDD, you can further break down depression into several specific subtypes.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) emerges during particular seasons of the year—commonly winter—brought on from diminished natural sunlight.
Bipolar Disorder ,used to be called manic depression, involves alternating between episodes of depression and extremely elevated energy.
Persistent Depressive Disorder used to be called dysthymia. It’s a chronic form of depression—usually with milder symptoms—in which an episode lingers for a long period of time, sometimes two years or more. It could be described as feeling like you’re living on autopilot.
Psychotic Depression occurs when a person experiences depressive episodes so severe they start having false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing things that others can’t hear or see (hallucinations).
Postpartum Depression occurs after giving birth. Mothers may feel disconnected from their new baby or fear that they could hurt their child.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe type of depression that shows up during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Situational Depression, or adjustment disorder, refers to depression that is triggered by a significant life-changing event such as a loss of any kind.
The differences between Depression and Sadness.
This chart provides a comparison between depression and sadness, two emotions that can be easily confused but have important differences. Understanding these differences can help individuals better identify and address their mental health needs.
| Category | Depression | Sadness |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. | A normal human emotion that arises from a specific event or situation, such as a loss or disappointment. |
| Duration | Lasts for an extended period of time, often two weeks or more, and may persist for months or years without treatment. | Typically subsides within a few days or weeks, once the triggering event or situation has passed. |
| Severity | Can range from mild to severe, and may interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. | Usually temporary and does not interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. |
| Physical Symptoms | May cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and chronic pain. | Typically does not cause physical symptoms beyond temporary changes in mood and energy levels. |
| Treatment | Often requires professional treatment, such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both. | Usually does not require professional treatment, but self-care strategies such as talking with friends or engaging in enjoyable activities may help alleviate symptoms. |
Don't suffer in silence.
Reach out for help if you are experiencing depression.
How does Depression affect relationships?
Depression is like a heavy anchor that one partner must carry, weighing down the relationship and making it difficult to move forward. Here are some specific ways that depression can affect romantic relationships:
Emotional distance: Depression can lead to feelings of disconnection and emotional numbness, which can cause an individual to withdraw from their partner. This can leave the partner feeling lonely, rejected, or unsupported.
Communication difficulties: Depression can make it challenging to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts in the relationship. A person with depression may have difficulty expressing their needs or emotions, which can lead to frustration and resentment in their partner.
Loss of interest in activities: Depression can cause a person to lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, including spending time with their partner. This can lead to a decrease in shared experiences and quality time together.
Sexual dysfunction: Depression can also affect sexual desire and function, leading to a decreased interest in sex, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, or pain during sex. This can cause tension and frustration in the relationship, especially if the partner feels rejected or unattractive.
Caregiver strain: The partner of someone with depression may take on a caregiving role, providing emotional support and practical assistance. This can be challenging and draining, leading to feelings of burnout or resentment if the caregiver's needs are not also being met.
It's important for couples to communicate openly about the impact of depression on their relationship and seek support from a couple therapist. With treatment and support, couples can navigate the challenges of depression and strengthen your relationship.
How do I support someone with Depression?
Supporting a loved one with depression can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to provide help and support:
Be a good listener: Listen without judgment, and let them know that you are there for them.
Encourage self-care: Encourage your loved one to engage in self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep to improve mood and overall well-being.
Educate yourself: Learn about depression, its symptoms, and its treatment options. This will help you better understand what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them.
Provide resources: Provide your loved one with information about depression and its treatment options. This can help them better understand their condition and feel more motivated to seek help.
Be patient: Remember that recovery from depression can take time, and be patient. Encourage them to take things one day at a time and to focus on small steps toward recovery.
It's important to take care of yourself and prioritize your own well-being when supporting a loved one with depression. Burnout is a real risk when providing long-term support, and it's important to set healthy boundaries and take breaks when needed.
Depression doesn't have to define you.
Take control of your mental health.
FAQs about Depression:
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Anxiety commonly co-exists with Depression though other mental health conditions such as alcohol abuse or PTSD can also co-occur.
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GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
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More women are affected by depression than men.
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The question of whether depression can be cured is a complex one, and the answer depends on a variety of factors. While there is no single "cure" for depression, it is a treatable condition and many people are able to recover from it with the right support and treatment.
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Depression can have a genetic component, meaning that it can be passed down from one generation to the next. While not everyone with a family history of depression will develop the condition, having a close relative with depression can increase a person's risk for developing the condition.
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The length of time it takes to treat depression varies for each individual and depends on various factors such as the severity of the condition, the type of treatment received, and how well the individual responds to treatment. In some cases, depression can be treated effectively in a matter of weeks or months with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. However, for others, treatment may need to continue for a longer period of time, and some may require ongoing maintenance treatment to prevent a recurrence of symptoms.
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No, depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Depression is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and biological factors, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of their strength or character.