Identifying Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that affects many people throughout the United States. This condition can manifest in a variety of mental and physical symptoms that appear in the aftermath of a tragic event or develop seemingly out of nowhere. In today’s post, we will discuss some of the most common symptoms of depression to help you recognize and understand them in yourself or someone you love.

At Long Island Counseling, we strive to provide you with the tools and support you need to live a happier, more fulfilling life. Our licensed psychoanalyst, Lisa Lempel-Sander, offers services for those dealing with depression, anxiety, marital issues, eating disorders, and so much more. If you are interested in learning more about our individual counseling services, then call our office to request an appointment.

Appetite and Weight Changes

One of the most common external signs of depression is a change in appetite or weight. When people are feeling sad or stressed, it’s normal to turn to food for comfort. Those who turn to food when they start feeling depressed may experience an increased appetite or sudden weight gain.

On the other hand, some individuals will lose their appetite when they are feeling stressed, sad, or depressed. If you or someone you know has lost their appetite and experienced unintentional weight loss as a result of not eating, it could be a sign of depression or another mental health condition.

Loss of Interest in Activities

When you hear about the signs of depression, loss of interest in activities is most likely the first symptom mentioned. That being said, the loss of interest might not happen all at once, and it may not be continuous. Depression affects each person differently, and you may have days on which you wake up wanting to see people or do things, while on other days you may feel like you don’t have enough energy to do anything other than lay in bed.

Decreased Energy

Depression not only has mental symptoms, but also physical symptoms, the main one being decreased energy. It’s normal to feel tired from time to time, especially after not getting enough sleep the night before. However, those who suffer from depression often experience constant fatigue and a lack of energy. They may feel sluggish and tired, or they may feel like their entire body is heavy and immovable.

Problems Concentrating

When something bad happens to you, do you struggle to think about anything else for the rest of the day? On the other end of the spectrum, maybe you’re really excited about an upcoming event and find yourself distracted and unable to focus on everyday responsibilities.

In a similar way, it can be extremely difficult to concentrate on the tasks at hand when you’re suffering from depression. For example, those who are dealing with depression may be overwhelmed by feelings of sadness and a lack of energy, making it hard to keep their mind on work or school. That being said, if you’re having difficulties with focus and concentration, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re dealing with depression.

Feeling Hopeless

It’s normal to feel sad from time to time, but in most cases, you will wake up the next day feeling better, or at the very least, you know that the sadness is temporary. Those who struggle with depression often report feeling hopeless. The feelings of depression can be all-consuming, and those dealing with it may feel like their sadness will never come to an end. In extreme cases, the individual may even have suicidal thoughts, at which point it is vital to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Contact Long Island Counseling

If you or someone you know is exhibiting some of the signs of depression, then it’s important to reach out and ask for help. At Long Island Counseling, we offer individual counseling and couple’s counseling to help give you the tools and support you need to better manage your mental health condition. Explore our website to learn more about how we can help, and give us a call to request an appointment today!