Depression is not something to be taken lightly. This is why it is crucial that you watch out for signs that you may have depression. This will allow you to seek professional help before it becomes too severe. If you are experiencing severe symptoms that interfere with your life, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
When Is it Time to See a Professional About Depression?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer, it may be a good idea to seek help from a professional. Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling hopeless and having little to no interest in anything
- Feeling increasingly irritable and easily upset
- Lack of energy, motivation, or interest in things you normally enjoy
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Loss of interest in personal appearance
- Loss of interest in sex
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Constant sadness or tearfulness
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Feelings of being “slowed down”
- Trouble thinking clearly, concentrating, and making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have been experiencing symptoms of depression and they are interfering with your day-to-day life, it is time to seek help. It is essential to seek help as soon as possible to prevent depression from getting worse.
Psychiatrists and psychologists are the professionals that are trained to diagnose depression. They can help you determine the severity of your depression and give you an idea of what you can do to help yourself. However, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or in a desperate situation, it is important to contact emergency services immediately.
Depression may be one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, but that does not mean everyone needs to “suck it up and power through” their depression. If you or someone you love is experiencing the signs of depression listed above, please know that there are many ways to treat depression and get your life back on track.
How to Diagnose Depression
Diagnosing depression is not a simple task. In addition to interviewing you about your symptoms, your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions about your family history and your personal health history. Depression may be present in your family. However, there are several other criteria your doctor will consider when diagnosing depression.
Your medical history is also an important factor. Sometimes, what seems like depression may actually be a side effect of a medical condition or a medication that you are taking. Your doctor will consider your medical history when making a diagnosis.
While the process of diagnosing depression is not always a simple one, it is important to follow through with it. That is because depression is a mental health disorder that can be life-threatening. It can pass from one generation to the next and, depending on the severity, it can affect your work, your relationships, and your ability to perform everyday tasks
Conclusion
Depression is a prevalent mental health condition. It is not just a “bad day” or a little sadness. It is debilitating, and it can interfere with your life, relationships, and work. It can interfere with your health and your work performance. You must know the signs of depression to seek help as soon as possible.
If you need mental health treatment in Troy, turn to Family Medicine and Wellness. We believe that health and wellness can be attained through a personalized patient-physician relationship. Contact us.
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