If You Think You Have Depression What Should You Do
First are foremost, always seek professional help if you are feeling unhappy for extensive periods.
There are many different ways that a medical expert can help diagnose depression to help you feel better.
The first thing is that you should take a depression test. A depression test collects personal data by asking a set list of questions designed to measure your symptoms and severity.
The most common depression test is MMPI-A, which stands for Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory: Adolescent.
Its best if you take the test with someone who knows you well, such as a friend or family member, to get an accurate account of how others perceive your moods and emotions.
A great way to help ease the feeling of depression is to ensure that you are properly rested. Read this article on the top ways to improve your quality of sleep.
Aside from taking this type of exam, there are other things that medical professionals can do to help diagnose depression these include discussing our thoughts and feelings about ourselves, reviewing past experiences like trauma or abuse, and what we have gone through . Psychiatrists also evaluate patients by checking their social lives to see if they have the proper support system to create a happy environment.
What Is The Impact Of Sadness On The Clinical Features Of Depression
As sadness appears to be a major symptom of depression, it has been postulated that sadness intensity could be used to clinically discriminate subgroups of patients. Recently, some authors used data from outpatients participating in three large American multicenter clinical trials, for the treatment of major depressive episode, in order to evaluate clinical features of bipolar versus major depressive disorder. They report demographic but also clinical differences assessed with the HAM-D and M ADRS scales in particular, fears were more common in patients with bipolar disorders, whereas sadness, but also insomnia, intellectual, somatic, respiratory and genitourinary complaints, and depressed behavior were more frequent in unipolar depression. By using a logistic regression model, 86.9% of the patients were correctly classified. Such clinical distinctions could be useful to detect bipolar disorders, which could be of importance for the patients’ outcome.
Is Sadness Synonymous With Depression
As Beck described it, sadness can be present in the general population, without any diagnosis of depression. Some epidemiological studies have reported the prevalence of depression in the general population, but only a few have detailed depressive symptoms. Among them, a relationship has been described between particular life events and depressive symptoms in the general population. Sadness was more frequently associated with deaths of loved ones and romantic breakups to be at the origin of their dysphoric episode in patients reporting an adverse event, whereas subjects for whom no causality could be found reported a low mood less frequently.
Nevertheless, this point is a great matter of debate, and Horwitz and Wakefield argue that, while depressive disorder certainly exists and can be a devastating condition warranting medical attention, the apparent epidemic in fact reflects the way the psychiatric profession has understood and reclassified normal human sadness as largely an abnormal experience. They give strong support to this thesis in a recently published book/
Read Also: I Feel So Empty And Depressed
Overcoming Depression: Getting Treatment
Fortunately, depression is treatable. In fact, there are multiple proven treatments for depression, including both psychotherapy and medication treatment.
In cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression, clinicians help patients learn and practice a variety of skills for improving mood and decreasing depressive symptoms. Some of these focus on decreasing and changing unhelpful thinking patterns , which can improve concentration and attention. Other CBT skills emphasize changes in behavior and habits that can improve self-care, increase motivation and energy, increase feelings of enjoyment and purpose. All of these skills work together to improve mood and the patients ability to function in daily life. CBT for depression is highly effective and is often used instead of medication for mild and moderate depression.
There are also various medications proven to help treat depression. If you are interested in medication treatment for depression, consider consulting with your physician, a psychiatrist, or other medical professional who can prescribe medications.
Distinguishing sadness from depression is important. If youre wondering whether treatment for depression makes sense for you, please contact us. We are happy to help you review your options.
Can Depression Be Prevented
You can help prevent depression by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and practicing regular self-care activities such as exercise, meditation and yoga.
If youve had depression before, you may be more likely to experience it again. If you have depression symptoms, get help. Care can help you feel better sooner.
Read Also: How To Cure Depression And Anxiety Alone
Am I Depressed Depression Types And Symptoms
Depression is a general term for a group of disorders that includes several forms. Some of these are :
- Major depression the form that people most often think of when symptoms are noticeable. During bouts of severe depression, people lose sleep or are sleeping more, miss school or work, appear unable to enjoy life, and even may be at a point of suicide.
- Persistent depressive disorder a low mood lasting more days than not for 2 years or more. Severe bouts may occur during the course of less severe symptoms.
- Postpartum depression includes debilitating symptoms that occur for about 10 to 15 percent of new mothers, up to 18 months to 2 years following childbirth. Symptoms can overwhelm the ability to care for a newborn or maintain self-care, and can raise risk of suicide or harm to the child. Women who experience PPD and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders have a critically important need for understanding, support and treatment .
- Seasonal affective disorder includes debilitating symptoms that follow seasonal cycles, usually bringing out depression in the cold, gray winter months.
Whats The Difference Between Sadness And Depression
Sadness is a normal reaction to a loss, disappointment, problems, or other difficult situations. Feeling sad from time to time is just another part of being human. In these cases, feelings of sadness go away quickly and you can go about your daily life.
Other ways to talk about sadness might be feeling low, feeling down, or feeling blue. A person may say they are feeling depressed, but if it goes away on its own and doesnt impact life in a big way, it probably isnt the illness of depression.
Where can I learn more?
About the author
The Canadian Mental Health Association promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing a mental illness through public education, community-based research, advocacy, and direct services. Visit www.cmha.bc.ca.
Q& A is for readers who want to take charge of their well-being, support a friend or loved one, find good help, or just learn more about mental health and substance use. Here, the information and resource experts at HeretoHelp will answer the questions that were asked most often. We’ll offer tips and information, and we’ll connect you with help in BC, Canada. If you have a question youd like to ask, email us at , tweet , or log in to HeretoHelp and post a comment on this page.
Read Also: Why Does My House Make Me Depressed
What Can I Do If I Have Depression
If you have symptoms of depression, see your healthcare provider. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, refer you to a specialist or suggest treatment options.
If you or someone you know is thinking of hurting themselves or taking their own life:
- Go to the emergency department of your hospital.
- Contact a healthcare provider.
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member or spiritual leader.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Depression is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Anyone can experience depression even if there doesnt seem to be a reason for it. Causes of depression include difficulties in life, brain chemistry abnormalities, some medications and physical conditions. The good news is that depression is treatable. If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/31/2020.
References
Severities Of Clinical Depression
Clinical depression can often come on gradually. So it can be difficult to notice when something is wrong. You might try to cope with the symptoms without realising you’re unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.
The severity of clinical depression depends on how much impact it has on your daily life:
- mild clinical depression has some impact
- moderate clinical depression has a significant impact
- severe clinical depression almost impossible to get through daily life
You can have clinical depression and other mental health disorders. For example, anxiety, psychosis or other difficulties.
Also Check: Do You Have To Be Sad To Have Depression
Exactly How Are Mood Conditions Dealt With
This may result from your genetics, gave by your parents and grandparents, the behaviors you discover in your home, or both. Even if your genetic makeup makes you most likely to create depression, a demanding or miserable life occasion might causes the depression. Depression can have lots of causes, including interior factors like genetics, or negative character. Usual triggers include alcohol or substance abuse, and medical problems long-lasting pain what is the difference between sadness and clinical depression, cancer cells or perhaps resting issues. Difficult life occasions, like obtaining given up, misuse in your home or on duty, neglect, family troubles, fatality of an enjoyed one, or divorce, can send out a person spiraling into depression. There are three primary kinds of depression major depression, atypical depression and also dysthymia. To be identified with major depression, you have to show 5 or even more of the key signs for at least 2 weeks.
Bipolar Disorder : Symptoms And More Healthline
Bipolar Disorder : Symptoms and More.
Posted: Sun, 11 Dec 2016 11:32:13 GMT
Depression usually occurs with various other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, or cancer. It might also occur with chemical abuse or anxiousness conditions. Usually, individuals with dysthymia expand accustomed to the light what is the critical difference between sadness and depression depressive symptoms and do not look for assistance. To identify this condition, an adult should have a clinically depressed mood for at the very least 2 years, together with a minimum of 2 of the above symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Association Of Anxiety And Depression
Major Depression: What Are The Symptoms
Depression shows itself in different ways. Common depression symptoms are:
- Depressed mood, sadness, or an âemptyâ feeling, or appearing sad or tearful to others
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Significant weight loss when not dieting, or significant weight gain
- Inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
- Restlessness or irritation , or feelings of âdraggingâ
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or specific plan for committing suicide
Am I Depressed The Difference Between Sadness And Depression
Depression, Self DevelopmentRobyn E. Brickel, M.A., LMFT
Nobody welcomes feelings of sadness or dejection, but feeling down is sometimes part of life. Sadness is a normal, healthy emotion, and a natural response to loss or disappointment. However, depression is a mental health issue, and a treatable illness. When feeling down, people often wonder, Am I depressed?
While it may not seem to matter what you call it when you or a loved one is hurting, it is important to understand how these conditions are different.
When untreated, depression can raise the risk that more harmful behaviors will become established. Millions of people struggle with untreated depression each year. This also impacts friends, family and work relationships. The better we can recognize when someone needs help, the more we can reduce depressions impact and support those we care about. Depression is treatable and people can recover to enjoy more positive, healthier lives.
Don’t Miss: How To Take Saffron For Depression
How Do You Treat Depression
Unlike sadness, you cant meditate, vent or essential oils your way into feeling better. Those things can definitely help and we recommend you take care of yourself, but professional help is amazing. Trust me, I know.
Weve had a long-standing joke in our family about my hatred for winter. Every year when the days get short, I stop working out. I sleep a lot more. I eat lots of carbs. And Im super moody.
Three years ago, I realized I have Seasonal Affective Disorder – a type of depression connected to the changing seasons. Most people get SAD during the winter, but thats not always the case. Im a winter SAD gal.
After my aha self-diagnosed moment I questioned why I always tried to gut it out each year. Hello? Theres this magical thing called TREATMENT! I met with my doctor and got this amazing thing called medication.
And as a therapist, Ive seen the magic happen from the other side too. Ive helped a lot of people over the last 16 years. So, if you or someone you know struggles with any kind of depression, help is available. And it works. Maybe that looks like therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Personal Factors That Can Lead To Depression
Personal factors that can lead to a risk of depression include:
- family history depression can run in families and some people will be at an increased genetic risk. However, this doesnt mean that a person will automatically experience depression if a parent or close relative has had the condition.
- personality some people may be more at risk because of their personality, particularly if they tend to worry a lot, have low self-esteem, are perfectionists, are sensitive to personal criticism, or are self-critical and negative
- serious medical conditions these can trigger depression in two ways. Serious conditions can bring about depression directly or can contribute to depression through the associated stress and worry, especially if it involves long-term management of a condition or chronic pain
- drug and alcohol use can both lead to and result from depression. Many people with depression also have drug and alcohol problems.
Also Check: What To Do When You Think You Have Depression
How Is Depression Different From Sadness
One of the most common questions I hear is: How is depression different from sadness?
This question was addressed by Ronald Pies, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at Tufts and SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and one of my favorite psychiatrists in an opinion piece published awhile back in the New York Times. You can get to the original article by clicking here. I have excerpted it below.
Ronald Pies, M.D.: Lets say a patient walks into my office and says hes been feeling down for the past three weeks. A month ago, his fiancée left him for another man, and he feels theres no point in going on. He has not been sleeping well, his appetite is poor and he has lost interest in nearly all of his usual activities.
Should I give him a diagnosis of clinical depression? Or is my patient merely experiencing what the 14th-century monk Thomas à Kempis called the proper sorrows of the soul? The answer is more complicated than some critics of psychiatric diagnosis think.
To these critics, psychiatry has medicalized normal sadness by failing to consider the social and emotional context in which people develop low mood for example, after losing a job or experiencing the breakup of an important relationship. This diagnostic failure, the argument goes, has created a bogus epidemic of increasing depression.
But while this increasingly popular thesis contains a kernel of truth, it conceals a bushel basket of conceptual and scientific problems.
What Sort Of Career Treat What Is The Critical Difference Between Sadness And Depression
Some individuals with unfortunate report their state of mind gets worse with a collection of dark days even in the summer season. Seasonal state of what is the critical difference between sadness and depression mind variants are thought to be associated with light. An argument for this view is the efficiency of bright-light therapy.
The manic signs seem the polar opposite of the signs and symptoms for depression. PDD is a kind of depression with symptoms of reduced mood that continue an individual for a minimum of two years, but does not reach the intensity degree of major depression. This means that individuals manage their day-to-day tasks, but really feel joyless the majority of the time. On top of that, they might experience general depression-related signs and symptoms like low power, inadequate self-esteem what is the critical difference between sadness and depression and also rest changes. To establish what sort of depression or mental disease you have, the very first step is to review your signs with your doctor. Medical diagnosis and also therapy of mental health ailments are done by doctor, such as mental wellness professionals, so it is essential to look for help if you are concerned that you are experiencing depression.
Don’t Miss: Depressed Stocks To Buy Now
How Can You Tell If You Have Depression
Here are some common symptoms of depression:
- Depressed or sad mood, including feeling sad, irritable, or hopeless
- Loss of interest or pleasure in life activities
- Unintentional weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite
- Sleeping a lot less or more than usual
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Thoughts about death or suicide
If you are experiencing symptoms like those described above, it may be helpful to get treatment.
The Importance Of Sadness
Sadness, in its simplest terms, is a reaction to a problematic situation.
While no one likes to feel sad, experiencing sadness is beneficial to the human experience.
Many thinkers believe melancholy is essential in order to gain wisdom and knowledge.
The theory is that the feeling of melancholy allows us to deeply understand other emotions and to have heightened experiences when emotions such as happiness, love, beauty, and achievement arise.
To experience sadness emphasizes the human understanding of something that was or is important to you.
While sadness is essential for the human experience, too much sadness or a feeling of helplessness harms your human experience.
This can be referred to as clinical depression.
You May Like: What To Do When You Feel Depressed And Unmotivated