Beyond Gloom:
Recovering from Depression

The term “depression” is often thought to be synonymous with feelings of gloom or sadness. These feelings are often thought to be hallmark symptoms of clinical depression, however, there is more to depression than sadness. Depression can leave you feeling miserable and damage your most valued relationships, health, and career. Depression can leave you feeling like you have no way out, know that help is available, therapy can help.

Depression is a treatable condition. A great way to address your symptoms of depression is with the help of a trained therapist. People often avoid treatment for a number of reasons, some of which may include shame, belief that they can “do it on their own”, not fully understanding the severity of depression, the list goes on. What we do know though is that depression rarely, if ever, goes away on its own.

Understanding Depression—Moving Toward Feeling Better

Many individuals have difficulty taking steps to overcome depression, possible because they embrace fallacies or myths about depression. For instance, you may experience shame, unfortunately many believe that depression is a sign of weakness, that it isn’t a real illness, or that antidepressants are the only option for treatment.

It can be helpful to learn more about depression if you are concerned that you may be experiencing this. Knowledge is empowering. It can lead you to getting the help you deserve. Here are some facts you may find surprising:

First, depression is a real condition and not just fleeting sadness. It is a condition that can be triggered by an imbalance in brain chemicals or neurotransmitters. This means that you can’t treat depression through sheer willpower alone. You will likely need professional assistance. This also means that you don’t have it because you were weak, depression is a chronic, medical condition

Second, your symptoms may not be the same as everyone else’s. If you have relatives who are or have been depressed, the condition may be different for you even though you may still have depression. You need to see an expert for evaluation and diagnosis to be certain.

Third, you don’t have to wait for your symptoms to get worse or prolong your pain; depression is treatable. If you have a genetic predisposition to depression or are experiencing a severe episode, you might not know where to turn. Know that you have the power, depression does not.

Fourth, symptoms can be different because there are several subtypes of depression. Depression can be linked to other emotional conditions—this is called comorbidity. For instance, it can be linked to anxiety, resulting in overlapping symptoms and making diagnosis and treatment more difficult. Other types of depression include Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), bipolar disorder, depression with mixed features, and other types that are situation-specific (premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and depression coexisting with chronic medical problems).

Do I Have Symptoms of Depression?

Is it possible to be depressed and not be aware of it? Depression is more than just feeling sad. With depression, a person can be overwhelmed by other symptoms besides sadness. It is also possible for depression to creep up gradually, so that you may have become used to it feeling this way.

Many people go without treatment because they do not know they are depressed. Wanting to isolate yourself in your room, or to sleep and eat all the time, could be things that you have been doing all along. If you are sleep-deprived, you may use it to justify your tiredness, lack of interest in many things, and physical pain. These are nonspecific symptoms—even people who aren’t depressed can occasionally experience them.

So, how do you know if there’s more to your changes in behavior? If you experience any of the following symptoms of a major depressive episode you may want to consult with a professional:

  • Lack of interest or pleasure in anything
  • Significant increase or decrease in appetite
  • Insomnia or over-sleeping
  • Restlessness or feeling slowed down physically
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Inability to think, concentrate, or make decisions
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Lack of enjoyment or interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Feeling hopeless, empty, or pessimistic

In addition, you may experience numbness or not feeling anything at all, or alternatively, intense anger and frequent irritability. It is also common for those with depression to “somatize” their sadness, or experience their emotional pain physically. If your doctor says there’s nothing medically wrong with you, see a therapist—unexplained physical pain could be a sign of depression.

No One Is Immune to Depression

Depression knows no age, gender, ethnicity, social status, or economic background, though some people can be more prone to it. While there isn’t a well-established single cause, it is widely held that certain factors increase the risk of depression. These are genetics or family history, personality (low self-esteem, introversion, self-criticism, etc.), personal circumstances (such as a chronic illness, use of certain medications, or dependence on addictive substances), and quality of life (abuse, conflict, or other traumatic experiences).

Even children as young as infants can have depression. For the very young ones, it could be difficult to tell if their tantrums are just a passing stage or symptoms that need attention. This can lead to late diagnosis and complications. Untreated, depression will likely continue throughout your life stages.

Teens can be more naturally susceptible to depression because of the enormous biological, social, and academic changes going on during this stage of development. Symptoms of depression can easily be missed or dismissed as “just another teen thing”.

The incidence of depression is higher among adults and older adults. Men and women may display varying signs and symptoms. NIMH reports that women usually exhibit symptoms such as feelings of “sadness, worthlessness, and guilt.” On the other hand, men are likely to have symptoms such as fatigue, anger and irritability, sleeplessness, and loss of interest in many things. Older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, may have higher susceptibility to depression.

Rising Above the Gloom

If you are experiencing an overwhelming sense of gloom you could be experiencing depression. You aren’t alone, help is available. Consult a therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services — Pinehurst, NC. The sooner you act the better. Early intervention has often been found to improve prognosis. It isn’t too late to make a change.

Remember, depression is a condition that needs to be treated. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

Related Articles: