Depression is a debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it’s still a misunderstood illness, and it’s all too often overlooked or ignored. When people hear the term “depression,” they may not know exactly what it means, and sometimes have preconceived notions about it. Therefore, it’s essential for those who have experienced depression or know someone who is going through it, to accurately understand what it feels like. In this blog post, we will explore the signs and symptoms of depression and discuss how it can impact a person’s life.
The first step in understanding depression is knowing how it feels. Depression is more than just feeling sad or low in mood occasionally. It’s a persistent feeling of sadness or hopelessness that can linger for weeks, months, or even years. It can be a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The most common symptoms of depression include low energy, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest, difficulty sleeping, irritability, loss of appetite, and sometimes thoughts of suicide.
For many individuals, depression can have physical symptoms, such as aches and pains or gastrointestinal problems. For others, depression can feel like a constant state of tension or anxiety, leading to panic attacks. Everything can feel like too much effort, and even simple tasks can become overwhelming and exhausting. It can trigger a loss of interest in everyday life activities, including hobbies, friends, and even sex. Physical intimacy can become harder, and those struggling with depression may prefer to retreat into bed instead of socializing.
Depression can distort the perception of oneself, making people feel like nothing is worth doing. Individuals may feel worthless, unlovable, undeserving, and that no one can help them. This negative self-image can contribute to feelings of isolation from others, which can worsen the symptoms of depression. Individuals who enter into therapy for depression work these distorted thoughts to try to become more aware of them and be able to challenge them.
Depression can feel exhausting and overwhelming, and those who have it may feel like they cannot find a way out. All of their energy goes into surviving, and there is no room for happiness. When depression is severe, individuals might feel like there is no purpose to life and that nothing will ever get better. They might persist over having suicidal ideation, a common issue that therapists work to manage safely, with the client’s safety as the primary goal.
Understanding depression is critical for both people who have experienced it themselves and for friends and family members who want to support them. Sometimes, it can be challenging to recognize the symptoms of depression or to know how to help someone who is struggling with it. Reach out to a psychotherapist or counsellor if you believe you have depression or know someone who is, make sure to support them as best as you can. It’s essential to remember that depression is a treatable illness, and help is available by professional assistance. Remember that everyone experiences depression differently, and what works for one person might not work for others. Treatment and mental health assistance can be customized to fit your unique needs and help you recover.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Josh Zettel, BA (Hons), MA, RP (Qualifying) CCC, or another Kitchener psychotherapist in Waterloo or Kitchener at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
