Know When to Ask for Help!

Everyone goes through periods of discontent and unhappiness. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but unhappiness is distinctly different from depression. Today, we’ll take a look at the common signs of depression so you can better distinguish between true depression and a simple case of the Monday blues.

Sense of Hopelessness

If you get up in the morning and start the day with a sense of hopelessness, or believe that your life is amounting to nothing, your unhappiness may be more than simple discontent. Depression often causes people to feel that their lives are pointless, or that any and all negative things that happen to them are their fault. While accepting responsibility for your actions is an important part of daily life, accepting responsibility for things you could not control is detrimental to your health.

Withdrawing from Activities

Many people enjoy going out with friends, playing sports, or even just getting out of the house to enjoy a sunny afternoon, but individuals suffering from depression may feel the urge to give up interacting with the outside world. If you find yourself staying at home, turning down invitations from friends and family, and losing interest in things that used to make you happy, it may be time to seek professional help.

Sleeping All Day

Depression often leads to a pronounced lack of energy and extreme lethargy that keeps people from living life normally. While depression commonly leads to oversleeping, it can also cause intense insomnia, preventing people from easily falling asleep, even after a full day of activity. Worst of all, poor sleep patterns can lead to an increase in feelings of anxiety and anger, only worsening your depression.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you or someone you love is exhibiting these symptoms. If you live in Long Island, give Long Island Counseling a call and schedule an appointment. We want to help you regain control of your life.