Different people experience depression in distinct ways. Some feel profound sadness, hopelessness, and low self worth. Many also feel overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out. And some people feel nothing at all.
I started feeling depressed about five years ago, but I couldn’t label the depression. I just felt my energy was low, I was sad a lot of the time. And then I think when I realized it was depression was when I felt that I was not able to get out of bed, that I didn’t want to see people – I realized that this was more than just being sad or being low energy.”
I started feeling depressed about five years ago, but I couldn’t label the depression. I just felt my energy was low, I was sad a lot of the time. And then I think when I realized it was depression was when I felt that I was not able to get out of bed, that I didn’t want to see people – I realized that this was more than just being sad or being low energy.”
Anxiety and depression often go together, creating a self-sustaining negative cycle that can be hard to break.
At least three additional symptoms from the following list:
I can’t do things that I used to do anymore. I don’t like to leave the house, I don’t like to go on buses and things like this because I’m so anxious. And then that wears down on me. And I get so exhausted and just knowing that I can’t function like I used to puts me in this really down mood.”
I can’t do things that I used to do anymore. I don’t like to leave the house, I don’t like to go on buses and things like this because I’m so anxious. And then that wears down on me. And I get so exhausted and just knowing that I can’t function like I used to puts me in this really down mood.”
Depression is diagnosed by a doctor looking for the presence of signs and symptoms associated with depression, including the mix and severity of symptoms, context, duration, and life impact.
The doctor will also want to know about your medical history and family history, as well as current medications you are taking.
A brief visit is usually enough to diagnose your depression and determine a treatment plan.
I was miserable, but I felt like I couldn’t talk about it, because I didn’t think what I was feeling was okay. I didn’t think it was normal. I felt like there was something wrong with me. So I held all of that in.”
I was miserable, but I felt like I couldn’t talk about it, because I didn’t think what I was feeling was okay. I didn’t think it was normal. I felt like there was something wrong with me. So I held all of that in.”
Medication can be an effective part of a treatment plan to help you feel better. It’s important to understand the facts – and the myths – to determine if it may be right for you.
Because there are many forms of depression and each individual is unique, getting the best result requires matching each individual to the right medication, then fine-tuning treatment based on individual response.
Medications that are normally prescribed for first line depression treatment are in a category called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) as well as a few similar types of medication. Common examples include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), escitalopram (Lexapro) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).
After a couple of weeks on the medication my depression/anxiety was drastically reduced and I finally felt like myself again.”
After a couple of weeks on the medication my depression/anxiety was drastically reduced and I finally felt like myself again.”
Therapy can give you the structure and support to help get through difficult issues, including space to reflect, process challenges, and build skills. Therapy is a time-tested approach that’s more accessible than ever, so some form of therapy should be part of any depression care plan.
There’s nothing like having therapy and really learning from others who understand this.”
I know in my mind that this is part of the process for me to heal and try to pinpoint those things that I tell myself, so that I can look at it from a different perspective once it’s happening.”
Depression is related to a number of physiological processes in the body and brain that are also influenced by the choices we make every day. Changing daily habits can have a big impact on reducing feelings of depression and keeping them away.
In addition to neurotransmitters and neuroplasticity, depression is believed to also be influenced by inflammation, hormones, and chronic stress – systems we know are impacted by everyday behaviors.
Sometimes taking the first step can be the most difficult one. But there are multiple ways to get care and you can choose what’s best for you.
Depression treatment works and there are a range of options so you can choose what’s right for you. What’s important is finding your path and following through.
Taking an assessment to see where you stand is a great place to start.
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Christina looked like the girl who should be peppy and fun. In reality, she felt a deep sense of shame and guilt.
Annie’s mind was consumed by thoughts of failure, guilt, and worthlessness. In her struggle to connect with and care for her young daughter, she neglected her own needs and kept her torment private, until the shame compounded into something unbearably painful.
When you’re deployed, you bury any fear and keep it together, staying focused on the people and the mission. So that’s what Joe did.
Over time, Jen’s depression worsened and she began having anxiety and signs of ADHD. To Jen, her depression felt like complete hopelessness.
Kenny always felt different – like he didn’t really belong, even in his own family.
If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Daily Lessons
