It’s not uncommon to hear people make statements like the following:“I’m so depressed”; “It’s depressing waiting for the workday to end.” Are these accurate ways to describe their feelings? Maybe, or maybe they’re simply dealing with temporary sadness, boredom, or frustration.
Real depression is life-changing. It’s nothing that will go away in a few minutes. It certainly isn’t the same as being bored, lonely, or sad. For those who have depression, which can also be referred to as major depression, clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, the symptoms are long-lasting and not always easy to understand.
Most people who are depressed don’t want to be. Yet, no matter what they do, they can’t seem to break it. If you’re depressed, the first thing to know is that you’re not alone. The National Institute of Mental Health shared that, in 2021, 21 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in that year, representing 8.3% of the population.
The second important factor to know is that you do not have to live with depression. Like any other disease, including both physical and mental health conditions, treatment can help to alleviate what you are feeling and can often restore your ability to live a life that you enjoy. For that to happen, you need to be able to recognize what is occurring and that you need professional treatment.
If you suspect you may be suffering from depression, reach out to Willow Creek Behavioral Health now. Our depression treatment center in Green Bay, WI, is available to support and guide you right now.
The Signs of Depression
If you have any of these signs of depression, it’s critical to take action now. If you feel suicidal or have made comments about harming yourself or others, do not wait. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for immediate help.
- Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and sadness
- Loss of interest in things that are normal activities for you, including sports, hobbies, relationships, or sex
- Displaying angry outbursts even over small things
- Feeling worthless or having guilt that others may say is unfounded or inaccurate
- Changes in your appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Trouble sleeping, sometimes sleeping too much, and other times suffering from insomnia
- Pain that’s random or otherwise unexplained, including back pain or the onset of headaches
- Intense anxiety and restlessness, the feeling that you cannot get things under control
- A lack of energy even though you may be sleeping; every task seems to take so much effort
- Thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or attempts
Symptoms can differ based on your lifestyle and your health as well. For example, children can show signs of depression that may include being more worried about their day-to-day activities, refusing to go to school, or even suffering from aches and pains that cannot be otherwise explained.
In teens, depression symptoms may include self-harm, using recreational drugs, feelings of being misunderstood, lacking any interest in social interactions, and poor performance at school, especially when the symptoms are new.
Note that in older adults, depression may look a bit different. Many people will suffer depression as an older adult, for example, after the loss of their spouse. Some are very reluctant to get help, and this can lead to the onset of personality changes, fatigue, lack of interest in eating, and just wanting to stay home rather than socialize.
All of these symptoms of depression are important to recognize and to get help for. No matter your age, why you feel the way you do, or how bad it is, help is available to provide you with a better quality of life.
What to Do If You Think You Have Depression
Each person’s needs are very different, but they all start with one step. Reach out for help. Our mental health treatment center in Green Bay is one of the most important tools you have available to you. With our team’s support, we can determine if you have depression and what type of treatment plan may be best suited for your needs.
Various types of depression exist, including conditions such as persistent depressive disorder, major depression, and bipolar disorder. Our goal is to determine what is occurring with you, as that allows us to apply the best possible therapy for you. This may include outpatient care through counseling as well as medication. For some, stepping away from the stress of life to care for your mental health within our inpatient treatment center can be life-changing.
We offer treatment that meets your needs right now, and we encourage you to advocate for your own mental health. Take the time now to reach out for help, learn about treatment options, and put yourself on the path toward recovery. Contact Willow Creek Behavioral Health now to find out how depression treatment can change your future.
