We all know what depression is, but when it hits you or someone you care about, it can be really tough. If you think you might be depressed, it helps to figure out why. But that’s not always easy. Lots of things can possibly cause depression, and some of the symptoms just make it worse. This article will talk about what depression is, where it often comes from, and how you can start to deal with it.
What’s depression exactly?
People who have major depressive disorder, or depression as we usually call it, often feel sad all the time and lose interest in stuff they once loved. They might have a hard time with daily tasks and stop caring about hobbies and personal interests. Depression can mess with your job, relationships, how you use substances, and other parts of your life.
Signs you possibly have depression
Knowing these signs can help you tell the difference between just feeling down and something more serious that needs help. Besides what we already talked about, common signs of depression are:
- Low energy, feeling tired
- Low self-worth
- Feeling like you don’t care, or not being interested in others
- Changes in sleep: sleeping too little or too much
- Changes in eating: eating too little or too much
Clinical depression is way more than just regular sadness. People with possibly clinical depression often feel empty and numb inside. Every small problem they face can feel like a huge disaster they can’t handle. This differs from simply feeling sad for a short time or experiencing a brief episode of depression..
It’s totally normal to react emotionally to things that happen in life, and even if it feels like those feelings will last forever, they usually don’t. But, if you’re still sad or worried about the same thing for a few months, or you’re not acting like yourself and don’t care about things you used to love, it might be time to see a doctor.
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Genetics and other mental health stuff: How could I even be depressed?
Bad or stressful things that happen can lead to depression. Your genes might play a part too; if someone in your family has depression, you might be more likely to get it. More women get diagnosed with depression than men, but that could be because men don’t get help as often. Also, depression can look different in women than in men. For example, when women are depressed, they tend to overthink things more, while men might use substances more.
With so many things to think about, it’s hard to say exactly why each person gets depression. But experts agree that long-lasting, clinical depression often comes from a mix of different things, especially when those stressful things stick around for a long time.
A combination of genes, biology, and environment all play a role in developing depression. For instance, changes in certain genes can mess with how your brain works, affecting chemicals like serotonin – a common factor in depression. Environmental things that can lead to depression include health problems (like constant pain), big life changes (like moving to a new city), and stressful events (like losing your job).
Can I talk to someone to find out if I’m depressed, or is there a test I can take?
Only a licensed mental health expert can officially tell you if you have depression. Online quizzes and advice can be helpful, but they should only be a first step to talking about your mental health with a pro. They should never replace getting a real diagnosis or treatment.
Symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues: Is there a link?
If you have signs of depression, it’s a good idea to get help. Even if you don’t get a diagnosis, something else might be causing your symptoms, like another mental health condition. Getting professional help and solutions can make a huge impact on treating your symptoms.
Do I have an anxiety disorder?
It’s important to remember that, like depression, an anxiety disorder is a real mental health condition. Feeling swamped by work or stressed about a sudden, short-term money problem doesn’t automatically mean you have an anxiety disorder. Those things can lead to anxiety, and if the symptoms don’t go away even after the stressful situation is over, it might be time to talk to a licensed mental health professional.
As we said, some anxiety disorder symptoms are like those of depression. So, no matter what your symptoms are, you should always get a proper diagnosis from a licensed mental health pro.
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What to do if you are depressed
Getting the right help is probably the most important thing to do if you think you might be depressed. The sooner you get help and start treatment, the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again.
Therapy as a treatment for depression
Treating depression usually means using both medicine and talk therapy. Common medicines for depression include SSRIs, MAOIs, and TCAs. Therapy can help you spot the signs of depression better, learn good ways to cope, and deal with symptoms from any other conditions you might have at the same time.
Talk to someone
Be sure to reach out to your friends and family too. It can be hard to talk to loved ones about what you’re going through, but having people who support you is often a big part of fighting depression in the long run. Just talking about how you feel can be the first step to feeling less alone. How Could I Possibly Have Depression?
Online therapy
Besides support from others, working with a licensed pro, like a therapist, can be very helpful. Online therapy can be super handy when you’re dealing with depression because it’s so available. No need to go to an office or even get out of bed – online therapy makes it possible to get the care you need in a way that feels easy for you.
Online therapy has also been shown to work, even for serious depression symptoms. One study found that online therapy can lead to big, helpful improvements in depression symptoms. People in the study showed clear changes in how bad their symptoms were, suggesting that online treatment can be just as good as traditional options.
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To sum it up you Possibly Have Depression?
It can be hard to figure out exactly where possibly depression comes from, but it can be even harder to go through the symptoms without knowing why. Your genes, life experiences, stress, other mental health problems, and other things can all make you more likely to get depression. But no matter where it comes from, depression can be treated, and symptoms can get better. A mental health pro can give you the support and tools you might need to feel like yourself again.
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