Although depression is a common mental health condition, it can sometimes be difficult for those without it to understand how it feels. You may want to try to cheer up your loved one, thinking that encouraging them to go out and have fun will lift them out of the doldrums. Over time, you might become frustrated and want them to snap out of it. But unfortunately, depression is way more complex than a person simply needing to have more fun. There is no way to just get over it, either. For true healing, the help of a depression treatment program is needed.
If depression has robbed you of your happiness, it is time to take your life back by calling Promises. Our mental health treatment programs will provide you with an individualized plan, including behavioral and holistic therapies, along with the support of our staff. We will guide you every step of the way out of depression and into a happier, healthier way of life. To get the help you need to beat depression, reach out to us today at 17135283709.
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities. While everyone feels sad from time to time, depression goes beyond temporary feelings of sadness. It can significantly impact a person’s overall well-being to the point of interfering with their work and home life.
If you think you might have depression, it helps to know what it feels like to have this condition. And if you think a loved one may be dealing with it, understanding how it feels can help you empathize with them. Although depression manifests differently for each person, some common symptoms include:
- Overwhelming sadness – This is the most well-known symptom of depression. The person may feel intense sadness or emptiness that does not go away despite their efforts.
- Changes in sleep patterns – They may sleep much more than usual or have difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Changes in appetite – Depression can reduce or increase one’s appetite, leading to noticeable weight loss or gain.
- Fatigue – The condition can drain one’s energy, and even mundane daily tasks can feel overwhelming.
- Difficulty concentrating – The person may struggle to maintain concentration, and it can be challenging to remember things.
- Loss of interest – Even activities they once loved may no longer bring them joy, so they might isolate themselves more often and avoid socializing.
For those who have never experienced depression, it can be difficult to know how to help a loved one dealing with this disorder. The most important thing is to be supportive and encourage them to seek professional help.
Exploring the Stages of Depression
Depression does not necessarily occur in distinct stages, as is the case with grief. However, it can progress from mild to moderate to severe, especially if left untreated. Here is how you can recognize these three stages of depression:
Mild Depression
When depression first starts to set in, the symptoms can be mild. This may involve a lack of motivation and mild mood swings. Although you may still function just fine in daily life, you might start noticing decreased enjoyment and a growing sense of unease.
Moderate Depression
Without treatment, mild depression can progress to moderate depression, and symptoms will continue to amplify. You might start to notice the condition interfering with your daily life as everyday tasks feel harder, you feel more tired, and you begin to lose interest in hobbies and activities.
Severe Depression
Moderate depression can transition to severe depression if you do not seek help. At this stage, you may experience an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and extreme difficulty functioning. You may even have thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. At this point, urgent treatment is necessary to keep you safe.
Get Help for Depression by Calling Promises
Whether you are just starting to notice the first mild symptoms of depression or you have been struggling with this condition for quite a while, you deserve to find relief. Contact Promises Behavioral Health at 17135283709 for the compassionate care you need to prevent or end the debilitating effect depression has on your life. Reach out today to experience a brighter tomorrow.
