Signs Of Depression And Counseling
By Kevin Leapley, MA, LPC, CSAT on Saturday, October 10th, 2015 in Depression. No Comments
Signs of Depression and Need For Counseling
Sometimes we are sad, disappointed, lonely, or grieving some loss in our life but how can we know if we are suffering from depression? When depression or sadness becomes overwhelming or lasts for long periods of time, then you can begin to accept that you have a possible mood disorder like depression. What are the signs of depression? When your depressive mood begins to negatively affect your life, then it is time to seek professional help.
If left untreated, depression can get worse and last for months or even years. Depression can eventually lead to suicide. Learning the symptoms and signs of depression is often the most helpful to those that are struggling with the mood disorder and also to those in relationship with that person. Approximately half of people struggling with depression get professional help or ever learn that there is hope for their struggles.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the symptoms of depression may include the following:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts.
Those that are struggling with depression have a high risk of attempting suicide. If someone you know expresses any suicidal thoughts or intentions, please take them seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Warning signs of suicide with depression include:
- A sudden change from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
- Consistent talking or thinking about death
- Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
- Expressing a wish to die or if he or she takes risky behavior that could lead to death, such as driving recklessly
- No longer having interest in things he or she used to care about
- Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- He or she begin to put their affairs in order, finishing projects, giving away possessions, changing a will
- Saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”
- Talking about suicide (killing one’s self)
- Suddenly visiting or calling people he or she cares about
If someone you know or you are demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, either call your local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room of your local hospital for immediate evaluation and treatment.
At Front Range Counseling Center, we have counselors that can provide therapy to help you or your loved one work through depression. We also have sources for medications and also for inpatient treatment. Call us at 303-933-5800 or fill out our contact form. A counselor will contact you within 24-hours.
Kevin Leapley, MA, LPC, CSAT
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