Am I depressed?
The term depression has become so commonplace, it may seem like everyone struggles with it.
Yet, Major Depressive Disorder is a clinical condition that is different from feeling down or having a bad day.
Learn to recognize the symptoms, so you can respond appropriately if you or a loved one experiences a depressive episode.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Major Depression include a combination of 5 of the following symptoms lasting for 2 weeks or more:
Persistent feelings of sadness or low mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Decreased energy or fatigue
Either feeling restless or slowed down
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide
The Facts
Major depression is the most frequently reported mental health problem, affecting 16-17% of adults and 11-12% of adolescents each year.
Risk factors include major life transitions, stress, trauma, a family history of depression, other mental health problems, certain physical illnesses, substance use, and certain medications such as blood pressure medicine or sleeping pills.
A major depressive episode can cause significant functional impairment. Depressed individuals are more likely to seek healthcare services, to be hospitalized, to experience suicidal ideation, and twice more likely to be unemployed.
What changes with depression?
Cognitive Changes: If you are depressed, you may have a difficult time thinking clearly. Depression is associated with negative views about oneself, others, and the future. The negative beliefs can be overwhelming, leading you to think in global terms that you are a failure and that everything is hopeless.
Behavioral Changes: In the midst of a major depressive episode, things that were once easy may seem extremely difficult. You may find that you don’t have the energy or motivation to do things. Depression is also associated with increased substance use and a 2-4 time increase in smoking.
Interpersonal changes: Depressed individuals tend to withdraw from others and experience higher levels of distress in relationships. You may feel that your relationship is less satisfactory or perhaps you are upset over problems in your relationship. The negative mindset of depression may lead you to blame your partner when things go wrong or to shut down emotionally, instead of reaching out and connecting.
Treatment Options
Medications and psychotherapy are effective treatments for major depression.
You may benefit from a combined approach, especially if you are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Medications can begin to be helpful in as little as 3-4 weeks, whereas psychotherapy takes a bit longer to gain benefit (often 5-6 weeks of weekly sessions).
Psychotherapy includes both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).
Medications tend to be helpful during the time period they are used. Psychotherapy typically offers more long-term benefits because you learn skills for altering your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
For more information about medication options for depression, visit here.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk with your doctor or visit a mental health provider to learn more about treatment options.
Contact Dr. Combs-Lane if you would like more information about psychotherapy.
*The information and resources contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The use of this website does not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. Furthermore, the information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional.*
