What is Depression?

Feeling depressed is not the same has having Depression.

During times of stress and heightened emotion, even individuals with healthy coping strategies and strong emotional “immune systems” can feel depressed and overwhelmed.   Not all people with depression have the same symptoms, and one individual’s experience of depression can be vastly different than another’s.

It can always be helpful to talk with someone when you are feeling stuck – even when you feel reasonably confident that symptoms will pass and you will regain your footing.  It is especially helpful to talk with someone when your symptoms are having a negative impact on your daily functioning – your ability to engage in meaningful and pleasurable activities and relationships, your work or academic performance, your ability to do even basic daily tasks like shower, eat, or get out of bed.

Symptoms of depression may include:

  • Feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed
  • Decreased energy
  • Difficulty staying focused, remembering, making decisions
  • Sleeplessness, early morning awakening, or oversleeping and not wanting to get up
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself
  • Easily annoyed, bothered, or angered
  • Constant physical symptoms that do not get better with treatment, such as headaches, upset stomach, and pain that doesn’t go away

There is no reason not to reach out for support if you are experiencing symptoms of depression.  Treatment for depression can be a one-time consultation and evaluation, or can lead to longer-term, focused treatment to help manage symptoms.