Depression is often described as a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy. It is a very common mental health disorder, affecting over three million people in the United States, which can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms.
Depression can be a vicious cycle, causing so much pain and suffering. It can prevent us from connecting to others and impact relationships with our loved ones.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is crucial in order to seek appropriate treatment. Remember, you are not alone and there is hope.
Identifying Depression
You may be suffering from depression if you notice yourself losing interest in activities that used to bring you joy. Maybe you’re becoming less and less active and don’t go out much anymore.Â
Perhaps you have begun to avoid hanging out with friends and stopped answering phone calls or texts. If you find yourself in a perpetual state of sadness or hopelessness, you may be stuck in a cycle of depression.
What Does the Depression Cycle Look Like?
Depression usually begins with low energy, fatigue, and a decreased interest in activities. This leads to reduced engagement in activities, neglect of responsibilities, and increased isolation.
As a result, the sufferer often experiences increased feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and uselessness, typically leading back to the beginning of the cycle and perpetuating the depression.
Breaking the Cycle
One way to break the cycle of depression is to consider seeking professional mental health support. Depression can be quite debilitating, and therefore extremely difficult to overcome alone.
Reaching out to a therapist or psychiatrist can be a great place to start. From there, you can obtain a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sometimes these plans include medication, which can be beneficial depending on your unique circumstances. Various forms of therapeutic support could be utilized that teach you how to cope with depression and prevent depressive episodes from manifesting.
Regardless of the recovery method, it’s important to be honest and transparent with your mental health care workers. Understanding the problem clearly is the first step towards finding a solution.
Additional Mental Health Support
Staying connected to your support system and committing to small daily actions, like exercising, eating well, and engaging in basic hygiene, can be a great way to stay proactive with your mental health.
Doing so may feel difficult and overwhelming in the beginning, but dedicated action tends to create momentum, and eventually, the reward of feeling better will keep you going.
Still, sometimes those suffering from depression find they need more support. If you are struggling with your mental health, remember that there is no shame in seeking more intensive treatment. There is hope, and you don’t have to figure it out all alone.
Avalon Malibu is a treatment facility specializing in mental health and substance abuse. Here, you can work with our experienced professionals to create a treatment plan that directly addresses your goals and needs. Call us today to learn more about what we have to offer at (844) 857-5992.
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