We’re often too quick to use “sad” and “depressed” interchangeably. And this common, flippant use of depression has left a lot of people unclear about this medical condition.
Depression is a mental illness. Also called major depressive disorder, it can be characterized by sadness, but it’s just as frequently marked by a loss of interest in the things you enjoyed or cared about before. And it’s also very treatable.
If you think you might be suffering from depression or you want to learn more about this mental illness, we’ve got this guide to help.
Symptoms of depression
Major depressive disorder can affect the way you think, feel, and act. The symptoms include:
Sadness
Sleep irregularities, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Fatigue
Unexplained loss of appetite or weight gain
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Guilt
A feeling of worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts
Trouble concentrating
If you feel like you’ve lost pleasure in your life, you feel empty, or you feel like your life is pervaded by an overarching sense of sadness, you may be living with major depressive disorder. Talk to a mental health professional to get the diagnosis you need to start treatment.
Depressive symptoms need to last for two weeks before you can be diagnosed with depression.
Is major depressive disorder treatable?
Absolutely. Many people with depression enjoy healthy, happy, balanced lives once they find a treatment routine that works for them. What’s more, you have a number of options available for treatment, including talk therapy, art therapy, yoga, lifestyle changes, and medication.
At the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center, our team is available to help you find the treatment that works for you.
What’s the difference between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder?
It’s easy to confuse depression and bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder move between depressive episodes and manic episodes (periods where the person is energized and often irritable). If you’ve experienced the symptoms of depression but you’ve also had dramatic shifts to an elevated mood, you might be living with bipolar disorder.
Talking with a knowledgeable mental health professional (like the ones at Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center) can help you get a diagnosis for your mental health illness so you can get the right treatment. Before you struggle through your depressive symptoms alone, get in touch.
More information about depression
Do you want to learn more about depression? If so, there’s a wealth of information available online and reading more is a great place to start. Here are a few resources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline
National Alliance on Mental Health
If you’ve experienced depressive symptoms, have questions about depression, or want to talk with an expert about getting care for your loved one with depression, we’re here to help. Call, email, or text the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center.
