SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Depression has been called the "common cold" of mental disorders, and one source estimates that it disrupts the lives of 30 to 40 million Americans.
What does depression feel like?
If you suffer with some or all of these symptoms, the conditions can be a sign of depression:
- Things just seem “off” or “wrong.”
- You don’t feel hopeful or happy about anything in your life.
- You’re crying a lot, either at nothing, or something that normally would be insignificant.
- You feel like you’re moving (and thinking) in slow motion.
- Getting up in the morning requires a lot of effort.
- Carrying on a normal conversation is a struggle. You can’t seem to express yourself.
- You’re having trouble making simple decisions.
- Your friends and family really irritate you.
- You’re not sure if you still love your spouse/significant other.
- Smiling feels stiff and awkward. It’s like your smiling muscles are frozen.
- It seems like there’s a glass wall between you and the rest of the world.
- You’re forgetful, and it’s very difficult to concentrate on anything.
- You’re anxious and worried a lot.
- Everything seems hopeless.
- You feel like you can’t do anything right.
- You have recurring thoughts of death and/or suicidal impulses.
- You have a feeling of impending doom - you think something bad is going to happen, although you may not be sure what.
- In your perception of the world around you, it’s always cloudy. Even on sunny days, it seems cloudy and gray.
- You feel as though you’re drowning or suffocating.
- You’re agitated, jumpy and anxious much of the time.
- Your senses seem dulled; food tastes bland and uninteresting, music doesn’t seem to affect you, you don’t bother smelling flowers anymore.
- Incessantly and uncontrollably into your mind comes the memory of every failure, every bad or uncomfortable experience, interview or date, like a flood of negativity.
Depression is too complicated to solve with a single pat answer. There can be many causes for depression. The good news is that in most cases counseling can help to begin the healing process.
If you would like to talk to a counselor about the possibility that depression is affecting your life and your relationships – at home or in the workplace – call to set an appointment at 972-960-9981 or email a message including your name and contact information to kstephens@christian-works.org .