It’s common to feel sad or moody from time to time, but when you feel these things more intensely and for longer amounts of time, it can be a sign of depression. It’s more than just a temporary sadness. If you’re wondering what depression feels like, it can be a long and sustained time period with extended sadness that impacts both your physical and mental health.
If You Suffer From Depression, You’re Not Alone
At least 21 million Americans have experienced a major depressive episode, according to Healthline. The good news is that like anxiety, depression is treatable and can be managed. If you’re experiencing depressive symptoms, it’s important to seek support right away so that you can feel better.
The Common Symptoms Of Depression
Depression makes it more difficult to manage day-to-day tasks and can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships. Everyone may experience the symptoms of depression from time to time, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the person is depressed. For someone to be diagnosed with depression, they do not necessarily have to be feeling all the below symptoms.
Common feelings associated with depression:
- Sadness
- Misery
- Disappointment
- Inability to concentrate
- Indecision
- Unconfident
- Irritability
- Overwhelm
- Guilt
A person with depression may begin to behave differently as well. For example, they may limit contact with family and friends. They may stop going out or stop doing certain activities. They may fall behind on their work or school obligations and rely on alcohol or other drugs to cope.
They may begin to regularly feel tired, or suffer from frequent headaches, muscle pains, or stomach issues. There may also be an inability to sleep well, or major swings in weight.
Seek The Help You Need For Depression
Depression can often go on for years if not recognized and properly treated. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment early so that you can more easily recover.
Depression can lead to health problems, difficulty holding down a job, or drug or alcohol abuse problems. There is not a proven way to recover from depression, but if you are experiencing the symptoms, talking with an experienced therapist can help.
If you think you may be depressed, contact us today to find out more about how we can help.