Thursday, March 28, 2024

I Ve Been Really Depressed Lately

Alcohol Tobacco And Other Drugs

âï¸? Capricorn: I’ve been depressed lately things have been really hard since I lost you! (BONUS/EXT)

Misusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can have both immediate and long-term health effects.

The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. SAMHSAs 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that approximately 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.

Depression Affects Each Woman Differently

Not every woman who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some women experience only a few symptoms. Others have many. The severity and frequency of symptoms, and how long they last, will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the illness.

Where Can I Learn More About Depression in Women?

The following agencies have additional information on depression in women.

Researchers At The National Institute Of Mental Health And Across The Country Are Dedicated To Womens Mental Health Research

Researchers continue to study depression to improve the way this medical condition is diagnosed and treated. For example, NIMH researchers are currently working to understand how and why changes in reproductive hormones trigger mood disorders, including postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopausal depression.

NIMH scientists are conducting a large number of research studies with patients and healthy volunteers to better understand why some women are at higher risk than others, and how they can translate these findings into new treatments or new uses of existing treatments.

You May Like: Medicine Used For Depression And Anxiety

Depression Can Be Treated

Even the most severe cases of depression can be treated. Depression is commonly treated with medication, psychotherapy , or a combination of the two.

Antidepressants are medications commonly used to treat depression. People respond differently to antidepressants, and you may need to try different medicines to find the one that works best. Researchers also are studying and developing other medications for depression, such as brexanolone for postpartum depression, and esketamine. You can learn about recent developments on these and other medications at NIMH’s Science News webpage under the topic Treatments.

There are many different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. The particular approach a therapist uses depends on the condition being treated and the training and experience of the therapist. Therapists also may combine and adapt elements of different approaches.

Depression affects each individual differently. There is no one-size-fits-all for treatment. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best. You can learn more about the different types of depression treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, and brain stimulation therapies, on the NIMHs webpage about depression. Visit the Food and Drug Administration website for the latest information on warnings, patient medication guides, and newly approved medications.

What to Consider When Looking for a Therapist

Tips In Taking Care Of Your Mental Health When You Feel Sad

So I

Psychiatrists and mental health experts have established a treatment approach to manage depression. However, aside from therapy or counseling, you should also learn how to take care of your mental health. These tips are not just for people suffering from depression, but for anyone who feels sad, those who are suffering anxiety and on the verge of a mental health decline.

You may feel sad at times for no reason because of the unpleasant things in your life. But do you have to dwell in these negative feelings? No! Here are some tips on how to quickly lift your mood, how to become more positive, and most importantly learn self-love.

Don’t Miss: Meal Plan For Anxiety And Depression

Sneaky Reasons You’ve Been Feeling Depressed Lately

So you’ve been feeling depressed lately, and you don’t really know why.

You like your job, you have an awesome SO, you’re getting along well with your mom for once in your life and you even like your apartment.

Still, you’re experiencing a lot of the major symptoms of depression. You feel hopeless and exhausted — why grab a drink with your best friend when you can stay in and watch the entire first season of “Master of None” for the third time? — and your friends have started to point out how pessimistic you are.

So, what the f*ck is going on? Well, mental health isn’t black and white. Here are five reasons you may be feeling so down.

What To Do About It

Some people do experience symptoms of depression in waves or intermittent episodes. This means you could experience days, even weeks, of relief and then notice your symptoms suddenly come back or intensify.

In other words, worsening depression is sometimes just the nature of depression but that doesnt mean its permanent, or that treatment wont help.

Professional support is the best way to improve symptoms of depression. If your symptoms fail to ease within a few days or continue to get worse, its best to talk to your therapist or doctor as soon as possible.

If youre already taking medication or working with a therapist, they can help you get guidance on next steps.

It never hurts to schedule an appointment as soon as you start to feel worse. You can always cancel later if you begin to feel better, but that way youll have the appointment if you need it and wont have to worry about availability.

Recommended Reading: Why Does My House Make Me Depressed

Difficulty Getting Out Of Bed

Its normal to enjoy sleeping in or spending time in bed. However, if it has become difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed or get ready in the morning, this could be a sign of depression. Depression can make us feel fatigued and physically drained to the point where even small tasks, like getting up in the morning, can feel exhausting or difficult to do.

Also Check: Treatment Goals For Major Depressive Disorder

Your Mood Gets Worse At Certain Times Of Day

Norm Macdonald and David Letterman: The Best of the Best

Changes in how you experience symptoms might also suggest worsening depression.

Your symptoms may have previously remained mostly stable throughout the day.

Now, you notice they intensify in the morning or evening. Or perhaps they feel much worse on some days instead of remaining fairly consistent from day to day.

Read Also: How Do Doctors Test You For Depression

Ive Been Depressed Lately And Now I Know Why

Ive been depressed for the past few days,Your depression symptoms are worsening and you sometimes have suicidal thoughts, I felt kind of stupid standing there on the streets, Ten ways to successfully get rid of depression, giddiness, Life is very Ive been fighting depression for close to 20 years, How to get rid of depression? 1, 2020 at 11:25 pm Im new here and not sure how to go about this, 2, Ive been uncharacteristically cold as lately suicidal thoughts are becoming daily occurrences, Ive struggled with depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember, We are born alone and will die alone, These symptoms may stem from having been bullied and treated poorly by your family, Anxiety and depression, 2016Heres proven natural remedies even in the hardest cases, Was just kidding Hi there, so my mood just continuously sings back and forth, I felt kind of stupid standing there on the streets, I have bipolar depression, Im not really sure how to start this comment, 1, relaxing hobby, A couple of years ago I got in a really dark place and

Emerging Trends In Substance Misuse:

  • MethamphetamineIn 2019, NSDUH data show that approximately 2 million people used methamphetamine in the past year. Approximately 1 million people had a methamphetamine use disorder, which was higher than the percentage in 2016, but similar to the percentages in 2015 and 2018. The National Institute on Drug Abuse Data shows that overdose death rates involving methamphetamine have quadrupled from 2011 to 2017. Frequent meth use is associated with mood disturbances, hallucinations, and paranoia.
  • CocaineIn 2019, NSDUH data show an estimated 5.5 million people aged 12 or older were past users of cocaine, including about 778,000 users of crack. The CDC reports that overdose deaths involving have increased by one-third from 2016 to 2017. In the short term, cocaine use can result in increased blood pressure, restlessness, and irritability. In the long term, severe medical complications of cocaine use include heart attacks, seizures, and abdominal pain.
  • KratomIn 2019, NSDUH data show that about 825,000 people had used Kratom in the past month. Kratom is a tropical plant that grows naturally in Southeast Asia with leaves that can have psychotropic effects by affecting opioid brain receptors. It is currently unregulated and has risk of abuse and dependence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that health effects of Kratom can include nausea, itching, seizures, and hallucinations.

Resources:

Also Check: How To Support A Friend With Depression

Strengthen Your Support Network

If you feel that you arent satisfied with the social interactions in your life, think about what you can do to build more meaningful connections. What activities do you enjoy or is there something new you want to try? Look into joining local groups or clubs to meet like-minded people who you can spend time with.

You may also want to look into getting professional therapeutic support. Many people who feel lonely and depressed find it useful to talk through what theyre experiencing with a therapist or counsellor, who they can then work with to find solutions for a better quality of life going forward.

The Benefits Of Focused Meditation

Ive been feeling really sad lately, should i send this ...

In this style of meditation, what youre really doing is exercising your mental muscles. Your brain is highly affected by dedicated and concentrated meditation practice.

Scientists have performed countless studies on focused meditation and have found that active meditators have more gray matter volume in their brain and, therefore, offsetting the cognitive decline that comes with aging. So, not only does practicing focused meditation help you learn how to focus better on certain tasks, but it also improves similar functions, such as memory.

Likewise, it helps in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, which our society is currently crippled with. By settling your attention on an object, you are essentially building your ability to observe your thoughts and sensations from a place of objectivity. This allows you to detach from negative self-talk that is often the breeding ground for depression and other mental illnesses.

From a guided meditation for focus to practicing it yourself, daily meditation for focus comes with several benefits:

  • Itll reduce stress
  • Helps you to focus on the present moment
  • Increase your creativity and imagination
  • And boost your patience and tolerance for things.

Read Also: Living With A Depressed Spouse

Causes And Risk Factors

Depression is not a mood you can just get over. It is a disease in which the brain ceases to register pleasurable activities, says Angelino. Indeed, MRI studies with depressed people have found changes in the parts of the brain that play a significant role in depression.

Women are about twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Youre also more likely to develop depression if you are between ages 45 and 64, nonwhite, or divorced, and if you never graduated high school, cant work or are unemployed, and dont have health insurance. Other risks for depression include factors such as these:

  • Experiencing stressful events in your life, such as losing your job, having problems in your marriage, major health problems, and/or financial challenges.
  • Having a bad childhood, such as one involving abuse, poor relationships with your parents, and/or your parents own marital problems.
  • Certain personality traits, such as getting extremely upset when youre stressed.
  • A family history of depression, which can increase your own risk three or four times.

Depression is far more common than you might think, with nearly one out of 10 adults depressed at any time, about half of them severely.

Almost Nothing Sparks Your Interest

Depression commonly involves a decrease in your energy levels and a loss of pleasure in your favorite hobbies and other things you usually enjoy. As you work toward recovery, youll usually find your interest in these activities slowly begins to return, along with your energy.

With worsening depression, you might notice the opposite.

It may not just seem difficult to find the motivation for exercise, socializing, and other hobbies. Anhedonia, or difficulty experiencing joy and pleasure, is a core symptom of depression.

You might also have trouble mustering up enough energy to go to work or take care of basic responsibilities, like paying bills or preparing meals. Even necessary self-care, like showering and brushing your teeth, might feel beyond your current abilities.

You May Like: Is Depression And Anxiety A Mental Illness

Can’t Enjoy Sex Fun Or Friends

This is a biggie. Activities you used to enjoy may now feel like a burden. If you’ve been depressed in the past and notice that you’ve lost feelings for your spouse or children, aren’t interested in work, hobbies, or other favorite activities for more than 2 weeks, you might be relapsing. It’s more likely if your symptoms come back within 6 months of an episode. Ask your doctor for help.

Do I Need Health Insurance To Receive This Service

Why I’ve Been Sad Lately | Black Friday

The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.

Recommended Reading: Major Depressive Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What You Can Do

No two people with depression feel the same. If you have any of these warning signs or symptoms that concern you, talk to your regular doctor or a psychiatrist. They may suggest therapy or more medication to prevent a relapse. Cut your stress and do something every day that makes you feel good. You might need long-term treatment if you’ve had three or more depression episodes.

{8) Paul Bradbury / OJO Images STOCK4B Hill Street Studios / Workbook Stock Fat Chance Productions / Iconica Mike Powell / Digital Vision Ariel Skelley / The Image Bank

REFERENCES:

What Causes Depression Or Anxiety

Depression and anxiety can happen for no obvious reason. But in many cases it can be triggered by certain life events, such as:

These situations might make anyone feel low and not everyone who experiences these goes on to develop depression. But thinking about any triggers can help you understand your feelings.

Everyone feels down from time to time, but if you’ve not been feeling yourself for a while it’s time to talk to someone like your doctor, nurse or a trusted friend or family member.

Also Check: Can Birth Control Pills Cause Depression

You Can Play A Role In Research By Joining A Clinical Trial

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.

In addition to volunteer research opportunities for the patient groups listed above, research opportunities for healthy volunteers are also available. Healthy volunteers play a critical role in our studies.

For more information about clinical research and how to find clinical trials being conducted around the country, visit NIMH’s clinical trials webpage.

Difficulty Experiencing Joy Or Connection

" I

When were depressed, it can take all of the enjoyment out of the things we love and make it more difficult for us to connect to those closest to us. We may begin to lose interest in hobbies, friendships, schoolwork, social activities, sex or life in general. When this happens, we may find ourselves feeling isolated from friends, family members or others who care about us.

You May Like: Is Major Depression Considered A Disability

Don’t Miss: Best Way To Get Out Of Depression

Difficulty Concentrating Remembering And Making Decisions

Depression can interfere with a persons cognitive abilities. They may have trouble focusing or concentrating on personal or professional matters. They may also struggle to make decisions, including small, everyday choices.

People with depression may also find that they cannot remember things as well as they did previously. They may forget appointments or commitments and might not recall things that they said or did recently.

Appreciate The Little Things In Life

Youd be astonished to know how something as not worrying too much can make a big difference in your life. Youd be amazed at how little things in life can make you happy. A little sunlight, playing with your pet, smelling the fresh air, star gazing, or listening to birds sings can make you instantly happy. These are all free but are all proven effective in combatting sadness.

You have more things to explore in life, and instead of focusing on the destination, enjoy the process. Enjoy the little moments in your life that lead you to bigger and better experiences. All the simple things that happen in your life can free you of your worries.

Don’t Miss: I Think I Suffer From Depression

Lately Ive Been Feeling Very Sad And It Wont Stop At One Point I Thought About Ending My Life And I Have Also Self

Posted

It is VERY IMPORTANT to talk to a trusted adult and get help right away! If you feel that you are unable to talk with your mom, you should talk to another adult with whom you feel comfortable. If you dont feel comfortable telling an adult that you are depressed on your own, you might ask a friend to be with you when you talk with someone, or ask for help with finding someone trustworthy. Remember, its NOT your fault that you are depressed and harming yourself is NEVER the right thing to do.

Adults you might feel comfortable talking to about being depressed: When you are feeling depressed or very sad, it is always best to talk with someone in person rather than email or text them.

  • Parent, guardian, or other adult relative
  • Teacher or coach
  • Health care provider
  • Minister, priest, rabbi, or other clergy person

Any of these adults should be able to help you find a counselor who works with depressed teens. If you tell one of these people and they are not able to get you help, tell someone else. You know your feelings best! Sometimes even adults may have a hard time accepting that someone they love is depressed.

Popular Articles
Related news