Depression: What is it?

Have you ever woken up and felt terrible? You didn’t want to get out of bed? Or, have you ever just felt angry or agitated for something that did not seem like that big of a deal later? Depression is confusing! Sometimes you don’t know why you feel so bad. You certainly are not sure how to snap out of it! The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V) was created to help counselors, psychologists, doctors, and psychiatrists to have a standardized method of defining depression.

There are a lot of symptoms and they sometimes overlap with other issues. The best we can do sometimes is determine what symptoms the majority of people who have depression are exhibiting. Then we have somewhat of a definition if a person meets certain requirements. Sound confusing? It can be it, but it doesn’t have to be. Leave that up to those who study this stuff and practice diagnosing every day!

The truth is, you need to know a little about what Depression is to get help! My goal in this post is to help you determine if you need to seek a counselor (or someone else in your life). Isn’t that the reason you are wondering about depression? Maybe you want to know if you need to get medication, but the ultimate goal of this post is to let you know in simplest terms what depression is and how you know if you have it.

A Simple Definition

In layman’s terms, depression is usually feeling sad and/or hopeless much of the time. A person may eat more than they normally would, sleep more than they normally would, get angry or agitated more easily, not be able to get out of bed, and may stop doing things they love doing. Sometimes people stop eating or become suicidal when depression gets severe. They lose purpose and meaning in life. Not making fun of it, but it is kind of sad!

Depression, sadness, or hopelessness can come on for many different reasons: a history of trauma, a breakup, a loss of some sort, and more. Sometimes it may be biological, so please get a physical if you are feeling down most of the time. If you feel like not being around others and staying home, that can be a symptom of depression too.

A more formal definition of depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Imagine losing interest in things you once loved, struggling to get out of bed, or feeling like there’s a constant cloud over your head—that’s what depression can feel like.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms can vary, but here are some common signs to look out for:

• Feeling very sad: You feel sad, anxious, or empty most of the time.
• Losing interest: You stop enjoying things you used to love.
• Feeling tired: You’re always tired, even if you sleep well.
• Trouble focusing: It’s hard to concentrate or make decisions.
• Sleep problems: You can’t sleep; you wake up too early; or you sleep too much.
• Appetite changes: You eat too much or too little, causing considerable weight changes.
• Physical pain: You have headaches or other pains that don’t go away and are unexplainable.
• Feeling hopeless: You feel helpless or struggle with seeing how things could get better.

Examples of Depression: 3 stories

To help you see how depression can affect a person I want to share 3 different stories. Don’t worry, these are not the actual names or details of our clients. They do however give a close perspective of what it is like for our clients who have depression. Maybe you will see yourself in one of these narratives.

Story 1: Emily’s Journey

Emily was always the life of the party. She had a great job, wonderful friends, and a supportive family. However, recently she had some unexpected life changes. She thought she could work through them and there was no reason to share her concerns with someone else. Over time as she tried to cope and work through the changes, she began to feel an overwhelming sadness that she couldn’t shake. She lost interest in her hobbies, struggled to get out of bed, and often found herself crying for no apparent reason.

One day, a close friend noticed Emily’s behavior and gently suggested she seek help. Emily was hesitant at first, but she eventually visited a therapist. Through therapy, she learned to understand her feelings and the reasons behind her emotions. She eventually began taking medication to help manage her symptoms.

Emily’s journey wasn’t easy, but with the support of her therapist and loved ones, she started to feel better. She began enjoying her favorite activities again and felt more like herself. Emily’s story shows that seeking help is a crucial step toward recovery.

Story 2: James’ Battle

James was a high-achieving student in college, known for his intelligence and ambition. However, the pressure to excel took a toll on him. He had always been successful, but this was different. He started experiencing severe anxiety, which soon spiraled into depression. James felt worthless, struggled with concentration, and even considered dropping out of school. He didn’t want to seek help because he felt embarrassed. He believed he should be able to beat this on his own.

His roommate, noticing the changes, encouraged James to talk to a counselor. Reluctantly, James agreed. The counselor helped him understand that his feelings were valid and that he wasn’t alone. James began attending regular therapy sessions and joined a support group for students dealing with depression.

Gradually, James learned coping strategies and found solace in connecting with others who understood his struggles. With time, he regained his confidence and completed his studies. James’ story highlights the importance of seeking support and the power of community in overcoming depression.

Story 3: Maria’s Recovery

Maria, a single mother of two, faced overwhelming stress from balancing work and raising her children. She often felt exhausted and overwhelmed. She also felt alone and that no one else could see her struggle. She began to experience symptoms of depression. She felt guilty for not being the “perfect” mom and started to withdraw from her friends and family.

One day, Maria’s sister visited and noticed how much she had changed. She encouraged Maria to see a doctor. Maria was diagnosed with depression and started a treatment plan that included medication and counseling. Her therapist helped her develop self-care routines, build healthy support systems, and learn to manage her stress.

Maria found support in a local mothers’ group, where she met other women who shared similar experiences. Over time, Maria’s mood improved, and she felt more capable of handling her responsibilities. Maria’s story shows that with the right support and treatment, it’s possible to find balance and joy again.

How is Depression Treated?

The good news is that depression CAN be treated. Here’s how:

• Therapy: Talking to a therapist can help you understand and manage your feelings. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), internal family systems (IFS), and trauma-based therapies are very effective.
• Medication: Antidepressants can help balance chemicals in your brain and improve your mood. However, it’s important and recommended to attend counseling regularly while taking medication. Research shows that medication and counseling together is much more effective than just taking medication.
• Lifestyle changes: Exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep can help you feel better. Also, learning to set healthy boundaries and priorities in your relationships and life can help to shift your stress level in the long run.
• Support groups: Joining a group can help you connect with others who understand what you’re going through and open up the door to support that you may not find in other places.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek help. The sooner you get an evaluation, the better. You may not need counseling or medication, but from our experience, it’s difficult for someone to tell if they have depression without a full evaluation from a counselor or other expert. Talking to a doctor or therapist early can make a huge difference.

Are You Resistant to Counseling?

Some people struggle with the idea of going to counseling. Resistance to counseling refers to the reluctance or refusal to participate in therapy or to engage fully in the therapeutic process. It can manifest in various ways, from avoiding sessions to not opening up during therapy, or just refusing to go. There are many reasons people don’t want to do counseling. However, I just want to assure you that therapy is good. It’s hard, but can be a great tool to overcome your problems. Therapists have training to be nonjudgmental, empathetic, and compassionate.

Conclusion

Depression can be confusing. However, it’s a part of life. Many people experience it on various levels from severe to mild. We all experience some level of feeling down at times. You are not weak or a problem if you ask for help or are struggling with this mental health issue. The key is to improve your mental HEALTH. We want you to get healthy in all ways. As you can see from above, being healthy takes working on yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Call us to speak to one of our counselors if you are struggling with symptoms of depression.

References and Resources

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression – National Institute of Mental Health

https://www.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/Depression.aspx – American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy