Let's Talk About Depression
“I’m depressed” can be a phrase that is thrown around lightly, as many individuals might not know what it truly means.
Experiencing feelings of depression might be one symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), but there are many other symptoms as well. It is important to recognize the symptoms of this disorder because if untreated, it can be very dangerous. Depression greatly affects the way an individual thinks, behaves, and views the world around them.
There is not one specific known cause for depression. This mental illness can be a result of many things, including one’s environment, biological makeup, and social factors. If you are experiencing depression, it could be a byproduct of a traumatic event, or from a low level of serotonin in the brain. Because there is a vast range of causes of depression, it is important to get diagnosed and get help from a professional.
Know that if you are experiencing depression, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 21 million adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one major depressive episode per year.
Many of these people are women, as women are twice as likely to be affected than men are. If you personally are not experiencing this, there is a great chance that someone you know is. Let’s take a look at major depressive disorder symptoms, as characterized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Major Depressive Disorder includes 5 or more of the following symptoms:
A depressed mood
Losing interest in all activities
Sleep disturbances
Significant fluctuation in weight
Extreme fatigue
Sense of worthlessness or guilt
Inability to think or concentrate
Recurrent suicidal thoughts
Absence of any manic episode
Symptoms are not due to drug use or a medical condition
Knowing and being familiar with these symptoms is important so that you can recognize them in yourself or the people around you and get the help needed. Depression can feel debiliatating, and it is no easy task. It is okay to be struggling. We can explore the ways in which it can be managed. There is hope for every person, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
When it comes to treating depression, there are various options that people can take, including:
Contact the suicide hotline in the U.S: 988
Find a trusted therapist who specializes in depression
Meet with a psychiatrist
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Talk with a loved one
Focusing on eating healthy whole foods and exercising
Join a support group
Additional at-home actions you can implement into your life to help you manage depression are:
Eating more berries! Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries have healthy antioxidants that can help boost your mood.
Exercise 4x a week. Exercise has been proven to be one of the best natural ways to release endorphins and diminish stress.
Take Vitamin D. This is a vitamin we often get from the sunshine, so if you live in Washington, you could likely use more of this. Vitamin D can help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and can help diminish depression.
Volunteer somewhere. Often, we feel so much better when we serve others. Volunteering can help give you a greater purpose in life, cause you to think outside of yourself, and may even grow your love for people in general.
Spend time with loved ones. Depression can be lonely and isolating, which is why it is most important to draw near to those who are close to us during depressive episodes. A laugh, a hug, or a good conversation might be healing to the soul.
Hopefully, you now understand more about what symptoms major depressive disorder consists of and how it can be managed. Depression is no light thing to be struggling with. Know that you are not alone, your story matters, and there are resources available for you! If you or someone you know is struggling with this mental illness, then wait no longer to reach out and get the support you need. Novo Life has therapists who specialize in depression who would be more than happy to listen to you. Email info@novolifecounseling.com to get connected with a counselor or book a free 15-minute consultation call to talk about your needs and have any questions answered at Get Started — Novo Life Counseling.