The Experience of Depression Explained
In recent times, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a prominent institution established in 1949, has been at the forefront of treating depression in the USA. This condition, which affects millions of Americans, has seen a significant increase, particularly during the pandemic.
According to the latest statistics, depression was common among nearly 1 in 10 adults and almost 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults (ages 18 to 25) in 2020. The state of the world, coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has undoubtedly contributed to these numbers. However, it's essential to understand that depression is more than just feeling sad. It can sometimes feel like the absence of something rather than the presence of sadness.
If you're feeling demotivated, empty, or meaningless, it might be a sign of depression, and it's crucial to consider talking to someone about it. Seeing a healthcare provider about your concerns can be beneficial, even if you only experience a handful of symptoms or have a baseline concern for your mental health. A healthcare provider might want to rule out other health problems or mental health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Depression can cause disturbances in a person's evaluations of themselves and others, leading to persistent, negative attributions about their self-worth. Symptoms for a diagnosis of clinical depression include sleep disturbances, low energy or fatigue, excessive feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, psychomotor agitation or psychomotor slowing, changes in appetite, thoughts of suicide or recurring thoughts of death.
In the most severe cases of depression, people may experience elements of psychosis, which includes hallucinations or delusions. It's important to note that if you experience any suicidal thoughts, it's essential that you seek help from a medical professional immediately.
Depression can affect a person's physical, mental, and emotional health, causing them to view the world through gray- or blue-colored glasses and only see the negative side of things. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), a form of chronic depression, is characterized by symptoms of depression for most of the day on most days for two or more years.
People who are more susceptible to experiencing depression may be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or other mood disorders. Solving depression isn't always as simple as getting out of the loop of negative self-talk, as it can make everything feel more difficult and cause feelings of being weighed down by ruminating thoughts or feeling stuck in a fog.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Resources for additional assistance in dealing with depression include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), National Domestic Violence Hotline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA), and The Trevor Project.
If you're experiencing at least five symptoms of depression, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider about getting a diagnosis for depression. Don't let the stigma surrounding mental health stop you from seeking help. Your health matters, and so does your well-being.
