TAG | sleep problems
Depression is such a buzz word these days for anyone feeling down. I think we need to remember that depression can be VERY Serious and have Very Serious consequences and impact on one’s life if it is not addressed.
Everyone goes through times of sadness or feeling down, especially after an unhappy event, like a loved on dying or losing a job. The problems come when the person doesn’t resume their normal activities within a couple of weeks. Clinical depression is not just grief or sadness. It is an illness that can challenge your ability to perform even routine daily activities. At its worst, depression may lead you to contemplate or commit suicide. Depression represents a burden for both you and your family. Sometimes that burden can seem overwhelming.
Some signs and symptoms of depression include sleeping too much or too little, or waking frequently through the night, not being able to get out of bed in the morning, not taking care of your self, ie., not showering or getting dressed, not doing your hair, having low to no energy, having continually low mood, crying all the time, eating too much or not at all, not engaging in social activities, isolating yourself, calling in sick to work frequently because you can’t get out of bed, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of suicide or that life would be better without you here. Even cutting and self mutilation can be signs of depression.
These are symptoms that last for weeks and seriously impair your normal functioning.
If you have any of the above symptoms it is important for you to get a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health counselor or psychiatrist. There are many different types of treatment available and no one should have to live like this. There are so many wonderful things in the world that depression keeps you from enjoying. There really is a light at the other end of depression. It IS treatable, you just have to ask for help.
Carol Agnew, MA, LMFT
Online Counselor
http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/online_counselor_ag.asp
