Depression: More common that you think
Depression can happen to any person. It doesn’t care what you look like, what you do for a living, or how “immune” you think you are. About 6 out of 100 adults will experience an episode of depression this year. That may not seem like a lot, but imagine you are at the grocery store around 5pm. Look around…it’s likely that at least 6 people are being bullied by depression….and you might not even know it.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression is different than occasionally feeling down in the dumps or having “the blues” for a few days. Depression feels like extreme sadness or despair that lasts for at least a few weeks. If untreated, it can go on for months and years. Here are some depressive symptoms to be aware of:
- Feeling down or depressed most of the day, more days than not
- Not being interested in things you usually enjoy
- Having problems sleeping….or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired or not having enough energy
- Have problems concentrating on even simple tasks
- Feeling like a failure or that you have let yourself or others down
- Not having an appetite…or having too much of an appetite
- Feeling weighed down…like it’s difficult for you to move your body
- Having thoughts of death or of killing yourself
One Woman’s Story of Depression
This video is one woman’s story of what it’s like to live with depression. Depression can bully us into believing stories that are not true and our world can get smaller and smaller and smaller until we feel that there is nothing left to live for.
You can hear and see how depression has stolen this woman’s sense of self, her relationships, and her hope for the future. Don’t wait for depression to get better on it’s own…don’t be ashamed to take care of yourself and ask for help.
Depression Treatment
Treating depression requires more than a good friend, good pastor, or good advice (“think of happy times”). Depression can be effectively treated through depression counseling and/or medication. You can read more about depression here: http://legacycounselingservice.com/depression-anxiety-other-concerns/. If it’s hard to look for help on your own ask someone to help you find a therapist, or ask your doctor, pastor, or that good friend for a recommendation. It’s important that you feel like you have a good “fit” with your therapist…that’s when you’ll be most comfortable and be able to fight the lies depression is telling you. So, if the first person doesn’t feel like a good fit, keep looking for a therapist you connect with; don’t give up hope!
Dr. Melissa Leedy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist at Legacy Counseling Service in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She specializes in helping people with depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and adjusting to health problems. She helps people in the Tulsa area, and throughout Oklahoma through secure video counseling. Call Dr. Leedy at 539-777-1129 for a free 15 minute consultation to talk about how she can help you fight depression.