What is depression?
While it is common to feel sad or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings more intensely, or for longer periods of time (weeks, months, or even years), and sometimes without any warning or observable reason. Depression is more than just a dip in mood, it's a serious condition that can impact your emotional and physical well-being, relationships, and ability to feel productive. People who struggle with depression may be contending with some of the symptoms below. But, it’s important to remember that we all experience some of these symptoms from time to time, and it may not necessarily mean you're depressed. Equally, not everyone who is experiencing depression will have all of these symptoms.
Behaviors:
- Not going out anymore
- Not getting things done at work/school
- Withdrawing from close family and friends
- Relying on alcohol and sedatives
- Not doing usual enjoyable activities
- Inability to concentrate
Physical:
- Fatigue
- Sick and run down
- Headaches and muscle pains
- Churning gut
- Sleep problems
- Loss or change of appetite
- Significant weight loss or gain
Thoughts:
- 'I’m a failure.'
- 'It’s my fault.'
- 'Nothing good ever happens to me.'
- 'I’m worthless.'
- 'Life’s not worth living.'
- 'People would be better off without me.'
Feelings:
- Overwhelm
- Guilt
- Irritation
- Frustration
- Lack of Confidence
- Unhappiness
- Indecisiveness
- Disappointment
- Sadness
Therapy for depression can help you find answers to:
- Learning about the body-based aspects of depression
- Using body-based approaches to target feelings of anxiety. This includes mindful attention to the impact that diet, sleep, and exercise have on symptoms and feelings of discomfort
- Catching, challenging, and re-framing negative self-talk which can complicate feelings of sadness and worthlessness
- Processing past experiences that have led to feelings of grief and sadness. The healing process will hopefully allow you to identify a narrative that allows you to incorporate meaning in relation to these past experiences, which will allow you to move forward
- Understanding how depression may interact with and influence other symptoms, including anxiety, substance use/abuse, and relationship difficulties
Helpful links for learning more about depression therapy and counseling
Dr. Leslie Hemedes can help you manage your depression.
