In What To Know About Depression – Part One, we went over the different types of depression as well as the intricacies of what this illness is. In today’s blog, we will be expanding on some different facets about depression. We want you to understand depression to the best of your abilities, so you can know if you are suffering from this illness. If you have noticed that you are consistently unhappy for a lengthy period of time, then it is time to reach out to Luminous Counseling for some assistance. Our facility can help individuals, addiction counseling, and couples counseling. The issues we focus on are addiction, depression, and other problems that might create areas of tension in your personal or professional life as well as with relationships and health.
The Spectrum Of Depression
Depression is not a binary situation. Many people think they either have or don’t have depression, but in fact, that is not the case. There is actually an entire spectrum of depression. There are more severe forms of depression that leave a person unable to get out of bed for days on end, and there are people who go about their daily lives until an episode hits them unexpectedly. With different levels of depression, you will not fall under one specific category. Some days are better than others, but it is recommended that you speak with someone to understand the severity of your depression.
Signs Of Depression
As we have mentioned a few times, depression can manifest itself in many different forms. Here is a helpful list of signs to know whether you are depressed and need to meet with a professional to discuss what is going on.
- Empty moods
- Anxiousness
- Persistent sadness
- A feeling of guilt
- A feeling of worthlessness
- A loss of interested in usually pleasurable activities
- A feeling of helplessness
- Appetite changes
- Thoughts of suicide and death
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Physical symptoms such as sleeping all of the time
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering
- Indecisiveness
- Constant fatigue
How Depression Affects Women
The effects of depression in women are different than men. Women do not always feel all of the same symptoms. Generally, women feel more worthlessness, guilt, and sadness. Women are much more liable to have depression because of biology, life cycle, psychosocial, and lifecycle facets. Additionally, many women also face postpartum depression after giving birth due to their bodies changing.
How Depression Affects Men
Men do not feel depression the same way as women. More commonly, men feel tired, have difficulty sleeping, agitated, and irritable. Additionally, men have a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Men, unlike women, are much more liable to turn to self-medication as well such as alcohol or drugs. Instead of feeling sad, men may also feel angry, discouraged, and frustrated. This may turn them abusive or behave in a reckless manner. Men are much more liable to not talk about the issues at hand either, so instead of speaking to family members or friends they will throw themselves into their work.
Depression should be treated by a professional you trust. Take the time to learn more about Luminous Counseling to see if we are the right fit to help you fight your disease.