Am I Depressed?... A Question For All

 

    Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of physical and emotional symptoms. It is more than just feeling down or having a "bad day." Depression is a medical condition that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, behavior, and overall well-being. We all go through ups and downs during life. We have those moments of elation and those moments when we feel sad or down.

    Feeling down from time to time is not unusual, but when those moments seem to hang on and just won’t let go, it might mean you have depression.

   Depression is one of the most common widespread mental health conditions globally and one of the most misunderstood. The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source estimates that depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, about 1 out of every 6 adults in the United States will experience depression. The effects of depression are more than just feeling down. Some people describe depression as feeling numb or “living in a black hole.”

If you have depression, you may have:

° Have you been feeling sad, down, or hopeless for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks?

° Have you lost interest or pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy?

° Do you feel tired, lacking energy, or have a significant decrease in motivation?

° Have you experienced changes in your appetite or weight? For example, have you noticed a significant increase or decrease in eating or weight?

° Do you have difficulty sleeping, either trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing excessive sleepiness?

° Do you feel restless, agitated, or slowed down? Do others notice this change in your behavior?

° Have you been having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or experiencing memory problems?

° Do you have feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame?

° Have you had thoughts of death or suicide?

   So, if I have all of these symptoms, does that mean I have depression?

   No. Depression can look different from person to person, and the intensity of each symptom can also vary. You don’t necessarily have to experience every one of these symptoms to be diagnosed with depression.

   Also, there are different types of depression. The symptoms you’re experiencing can be different based on the type of depression you have. No matter what type of depression you’re living with, there is hope. There are many ways to find support and help to manage your symptoms.

   You can start by reaching out to people you trust or discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional can help connect you with a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment.