Depression

Have you been feeling down or depressed? Have you lost interest in activities and relationships that used to bring you joy? Have you experienced sadness and can’t seem to shake it? Maybe all you want to do is sleep or stay home. The chances are you might be depressed and there’s help for that.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 17.3 million Americans or 7.1% of the population have experienced a depressive episode in the last year. It’s an extraordinarily common diagnosis and the leading cause of disability according to the World Health Organization. Add to this, the fact that medical illnesses, substance use, and medications can be a trigger for depression, too.

How do you know if you have it?

All of us have ups and downs in our mood related to all kinds of things in our lives, and most of the time, if you’re down, you’ll feel better pretty soon. But, if you have been feeling sad most of the time for a week or two or longer, and if it’s starting to affect big areas of your life (work, school, relationships, your appetite, or sleep), it may be a good idea to talk to a psychologist, your primary care doctor, or another doctor who you see regularly.

Most of us know that if someone is “sad,” they may be clinically depressed, but it can show up for people in many ways:

A “Major Depressive Episode” means feeling down more often than you feel “okay” for two weeks or more (along with several other symptoms, like trouble sleeping and low motivation).
Sadness is also part of a bipolar disorder. People cycle between low moods and very energized moods, or mania.
Postpartum depression is a common condition affecting women after childbirth, and it can be brought on by hormonal changes, the stress of caring for an infant and children, or traumatic birth experiences.
Some types of depression are brought on by the changing seasons, though this is less common here in Austin.
Depression can also occur with other severe illnesses that also include hallucinations, delusions or severe paranoia. This often will require hospitalization.

What happens if it isn’t resolved?

Depression that isn’t treated can worsen over time and become very debilitating. It can lead to big problems at work or school or in relationships, especially if it’s been a problem before. It can lead to substance abuse (self-medicating). In extreme cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts or hospitalization.

Health issues and depression

Depression, and other psychological symptoms, like anxiety, often co-occur with physical symptoms. Sometimes someone is first dealing with a health issue, such as pain, which then leads to them feeling depressed, worried, anxious, stressed, angry, or many other things. Maybe the pain makes it hard to sleep, so then you feel tired and irritable, which also leads you to feel down and depressed. The stress and other feelings can then make the physical issue worse, which then leads to more stress, and it becomes a cycle.

Other times, someone feels depressed and then feels more aches and pains or maybe sleeplessness or headaches. Again, of course, the physical symptoms can make the depression worse, and vice-versa. The mind-body connection is real and the good news is that psychotherapy can provide long lasting relief.

Depression is highly treatable

Making that first phone call to ask for help is the first step on your road back to feeling more like yourself. Sometimes we all need a little help from someone who cares and who is invested in our well-being. Not just right now, but for a long time. Contact me today at 512-627-3583, so I can reserve time to get to know you and help you on the path to feeling a whole lot better. Virtual telehealth appointments are also available.