Depression 101

“I think I might be depressed” is one of the most common statements I hear in my counseling practice.   More often than not, when people say this I typically agree with them.  The reason why my clients often think they might be depressed, instead of knowing they are, is because the symptoms of depression are often slow to onset and can be subtle in their more moderate forms.

While severe forms of depression may result in significant impacts on functioning, like not being able to get out of bed, not eating or sleeping, or even experiencing hallucinations- more moderate forms of depression leave people functioning but unfulfilled. The most common symptoms of depression that I see among my therapy clients are:

-          Irritability- they find themselves feeling on-edge, “annoyed with everything”, and quick to anger with their children or significant others.

-          emotional numbing – they find themselves feeling “nothing” during times when they think they should feel “something”, like quality time with friends or family, going on vacation, or receiving praise.   People with emotional numbing may not view themselves as depressed because they don’t “feel sad”, but they also don’t feel happiness, either. 

-          lack of interest or motivation- they aren’t doing things that they used to like to do or find that they must drag themselves to get things done.  This often leads them to be very frustrated with themselves. 

-          Sleep problems- they find themselves exhausted, despite getting a lot of sleep, or conversely, find it difficult to sleep at all.  Either way, the result is chronic fatigue.

The symptoms of depression are often gradual as well, which leaves many of my clients realizing that they have been feeling this way for years before they started seeking out treatment.   They often state that they thought these issues would resolve over time or with a change of circumstances but have found that they did not. 

Because depression is so prevalent in our society (another discussion for another day), treatments are also widely available.  Medications can be helpful in addressing the biological symptoms of depression (like sleep, appetite, and energy level).  Therapy can address the underlying psychological components- like beliefs, thinking patterns, and repressed feelings- that contribute to depression.   

However, what makes therapy or medication treatment the most effective is what clients do for themselves.  Engaging in self-care, setting boundaries, and pursuing their own interests/passions are often the most impactful ways to manage depression.

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