Recognizing Depression

You feel empty inside, but everyone on the outside tells you how happy you seem. You have no energy, but you’re pretty sure it’s just because you’re overworked. Sometimes the thought of suicide crosses your mind, but you assume everyone thinks about it every once and a while. So how do you know if you’re depressed, or just a little blue?

Depression vs. Sadness

People confuse depression and sadness all the time, which can lead to many issues. To be clear, everyone experiences sadness. We will not be happy all the time, it is impossible. Remember, happiness is not an end goal, it is a journey that always continues. Happiness is perpendicular to sadness, meaning you can be on a path of good spirits, but eventually you will run into gloom. When it comes to mere sadness, keep your head up, accept your current feelings, and brace for better times ahead.

 

Depression is much different than sadness, although they can look alike. Remember that depression is abnormal. It is a mental illness. Depression is not just being upset because of a life event, it is feeling sad about all things. Unfortunately, depression can be confusing and wrote off as nothing if there is not a specific reason for your feelings. People think that because there seems to be no source of sadness, then it must just be them. No, you can not just, “snap out of it.”

 

Even if the people around you say, “Well, that doesn’t really seem like you, you’re always happy!” Try to remember that they do not necessarily mean anything bad by this, such as they will not support you, they just are giving their inference.

Depression Symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite/Overeating

  • Insomnia

  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

  • Feeling sad or empty

  • Thoughts of suicide

  • Restlessness

  • Feeling worthless/hopeless

  • Headaches or cramps that persist

  • Feeling guilty for being unhappy

  • Quick to anger or frustration

Know the Different Types of Depression

  • Dysthymia (Chronic Depression)- Although considered one of the more “mild” forms of depression, it is pervasive. The sufferer may hit periods of time that seems normal, but they do not last more than a couple months. With this in mind, the “normal” stages could mislead you to think that the “depressed” stages are the real norm and that everyone experiences sadness sometimes.

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)- Also referred to as Clinical Depression, MDD is a severe depression that lasts around two weeks at a time.

  • Atypical MDD- There is a distinct difference between atypical and classic MDD. In atypical, the patient’s mood could become much more positive when exposed to a happy situation. However, this is temporary.

  • Melancholic Depression- Similar to classic MDD, except there is zero response to positive stimuli, significant weight loss and the typical symptoms of depression are worse in the morning.  

  • Catatonic Depression- The sufferer remains speechless and motionless and has no response to stimuli. Simple, everyday tasks such as even getting out of bed or standing up could take hours.

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder- People experience this during certain seasons, but most commonly winter. One theory for the cause is lack of sunlight.

If you feel like you’re truly depressed, seek help. It is true that you can still be depressed and seem completely fine to everyone around you. Know that you are in control of your mind and should decide when it is time to get help. Avenues of Counseling and Mediation has depression counselors in our Medina and Akron, Ohio offices who are here to support and guide you.

Nicki Masters