Depression
Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer. The origins of clinical depression are biological, psychological, and social. The biological origin suggests a possible genetic component to your mood. The psychological origin suggests that how you think about yourself, others and the world can impact your mood. The social origin refers to the impact your environment has on your feelings. Depending upon each individual, effective interventions can include expressing your thoughts and feelings, evaluating your home situation, work life, and social relationships, and/or assessing the potential need for medication.
Everyone experiences times of feeling sad or “down in the dumps.” This is normal, and usually resolves within a few days. But if these feelings last more than several days or weeks, it may be time to see your doctor or a mental health practitioner.
Depression affects approximately one in ten Americans and is most commonly reported by women. Men are less likely than women to seek treatment for emotional issues, yet depression is very treatable. It is important to see your doctor or therapist in order to be evaluated and matched with the right treatment for your symptoms. Do not attempt to diagnose yourself!
Symptoms of depression:
- Feeling sad for more than a few days
- Not enjoying activities that used to make you happy
- Feeling irritable or tearful
- Having less energy
- Losing your sex drive
- Experiencing a disruption in your sleep pattern
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Eating too much or too little
- Drinking more alcohol than usual
- Frequently thinking about death or even contemplating suicide
Types of Depression:
- Dysthymia - a low grade of depression lasting more than one year
- Major Depressive Disorder - having many symptoms of depression lasting two weeks or more, affecting your self-esteem, work and/or home life
- Bi-Polar Disorder - a tendency to alternate between feeling “excessively well,” not needing to sleep or having racing thoughts, followed by intense feelings of depression. This condition requires a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Things You Can Do to Improve Your Mood
- Make a list of pleasurable activities and engage in one every day
- Connect with people you like
- Exercise 30 minutes per day
- Eat a variety of healthy foods
- Practice relaxation exercises
- Keep a gratitude journal
- “Opposite Action” - do the opposite of what your mood may be telling you to do
- For example, connect with people when you feel like isolating or exercise when you feel like watching television.