If for more than two weeks you’ve felt sad and have lost interest or pleasure in your usual activities, you may be depressed.
Symptoms of depression, on the other hand, aren’t as clear-cut as they are for a common cold. Intense sadness and a feeling of hopelessness often comes into play. Depressive symptoms can also range from mild to severe overnight, and they often disguise themselves as everyday habits and emotions that you wouldn’t necessarily consider depressive behavior.
If you’ve experienced several of the signs listed below, call NeuroHealth to receive a depression diagnosis and treatment plan.
Depressive Behaviors
- Not having the energy to go out anymore
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- A lack of concentration
- Relying on alcohol and other sedatives
- No longer wanting to do the activities you usually enjoy
Feelings of Depression
- Disappointed
- Indecisive
- Irritable
- Frustrated
- Guilty
- A lack of confidence
- Miserable
- Sad
Depressive Thoughts
- ‘I must be weak to have become depressed.’
- ‘I don’t think depression is worth talking about.’
- ‘I’m worthless.’
- ‘I am a burden on others.’
- ‘I either figure this out or I end my life.’
- ‘People would be better off without me.’
Symptoms of Physical Depression
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Chest pain
- Digestive problems
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Problems with sleeping
- Change in appetite and fluctuation
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
If you have some – or all – of the above mentioned symptoms of depression and the symptoms have lasted longer than a couple week, you should seek help.
The best place to start is with your doctor or by contacting NeuroHealth.
According to The National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode.
Symptoms of depression are often ignored but could be successfully treated.
In most cases, those who are aware that they have depression view it as a sign of “weakness,” so they choose not to see a doctor. But depression is not a sign of weakness or a reason to shame someone – is a serious illness that should be treated in a timely manner.
The earlier you receive treatment for depression, the more successful it is. Even in more serious cases of clinical depression, treatment is still successful. But it’s best to not wait.
If you have depression, you don’t have to go through life feeling miserable and hopeless. Visit NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights or call us at (847) 584-1671 to get started.