Depression is commonly misused to describe the feelings associated after a bad day, bad week, or going through a hard time. However, depression is far more complex than general sadness. There is no one answer as to what causes depression, but there are common signs and symptoms that can help you recognize if you -- or someone you know -- is depressed.
Besides the feelings of overwhelming sadness or loneliness, depression can reveal itself in a number of ways -- including the following symptoms:
Depression is not random, and there are a lot of factors that can contribute to the likeliness that you will experience symptoms of depression. Depression causing factors include:
Life factors like illnesses, age, and abuse can cause depression to appear at any time. People diagnosed with chronic illnesses can get depression after their diagnosis when they have never felt depressed prior. People who have experienced abuse, especially from a young age, can experience depression early on in life and have it last for a length of time if left untreated. Mind altering substances, associated with substance abuse, can affect your mental health overall, making it easier to experience the symptoms of depression.
The short answer is yes! Depression can appear differently in men versus women, and can also be handled differently. Women are more likely to dwell on their depression than men, meaning women tend to overanalyze the negative feeling they are having towards themselves. For a woman suffering from depression, this can look like negative self-talk, crying uncontrollably and randomly, and self-blame.
Men are more likely to turn to substances to help with their depression, leading to substance misuse and continued symptoms of depression. Drugs and alcohol can cause increased anxiety, making the symptoms of depression worse. Men also tend to hide their sadness through irrational actions and decisions, including gambling, recklessness, and risky behaviors.
The most important thing you can do to battle your symptoms of depression is to seek help from a medical professional. Trying to self-manage your symptoms can lead you further into depression and farther away from finding the help you need.
Your first, and best, step is to talk to your primary care provider about your depression. Let your provider know how you have been feeling, and how often you have been feeling that way. Based on your information, they can direct you to finding the care you need, whether that be through therapy, medication, or something else that will work best for you.
At Logansport Memorial Hospital, our team of Behavioral Health providers can assist you in managing your depression.
Our Behavioral Health providers ยป
Recognizing the signs of depression is the first step. Finding the help you need is next.