How to Recognize Depression

Depression can strike anyone at any time. However, there are different types of depression. Sometimes you may be depressed over your circumstances (situational depression). Major depression (also known as clinical depression) is more intense and is often linked with medical problems.

Situational Depression

Just as the name implies, situational depression is caused by difficult situations in your life. Although situational depression can be just as painful as clinical depression, it's usually only temporary. When your circumstances change, chances are you'll feel better.

Situational depression can be the result of anything from the death of a loved one, divorce, and job loss to failure in achieving goals. It could also be the result of trauma such as a devastating accident.

On the other hand, clinical depression is of a greater degree. While there's not a blood test to diagnose clinical depression, there are warning signs.

To determine if someone is clinically depressed he (or she) shares his negative experiences and is noticed by others as well as mental health professionals. Anyone can struggle with clinical depression, but it usually hits a person in early to mid-adulthood. It can be temporary, as well as a life-long disorder.

Warning Signs for Major Depression

• Continual sadness and anxiousness

• Sleep disorders (either not being able to sleep or oversleeping)

• Eating disorders (either loss of appetite or overeating)

• Concentration difficulties

• Thoughts of death of suicide

• Feeling hopelessness, worthlessness, and/or helpless

• Feelings of unfounded guilt

• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed

• Physical ailments (such as digestive problems, fatigue, headaches, etc.)

Professional Help

If you exhibit some of these signs or know someone who struggles with them, then it's imperative to get professional help. You may need to take medication, in addition to therapy. Depression is often complex, dealing with not only the mind, but with physical factors as well. Therefore, it's advisable to also get a medical examination.

If you feel you can't afford to get counseling, then check with your local mental health department and/or search for helpful online articles outlining ways to get help.
Getting Help from Others for Situational Depression

Professional counseling -- Professional therapy is beneficial even if you're dealing with situational depression. Whether or not you see a paid professional depends on the severity of the depression.

Small group therapy - Plug into a support group where you can feel free to express your feelings. This can be anything from a 12-step group to a church fellowship. Just make sure you can trust those in the group to keep what you share confidential

Trusted friend(s) - When you're depressed, you need to find at least one good friend who can take the time to listen to you, as well as give you wise counsel. If you can't physically get together with someone you can trust, then reach out and make a call.

Helping Yourself

• Exercise - When you exercise you release endorphins (neurotransmitters in the brain affecting mood).
  

• Monitor your thoughts - What you think about affects your mood. If you let negative thoughts enter, you can easily become depressed. Challenge yourself with a 40-day "thought fast" where you refuse to let negative thoughts settle in your mind.

Most of all don't be ashamed if you struggle with depression. Too often people suffer privately instead of reaching out and getting help. The first step is admitting you have a problem and are ready feel good again

Originally published on Suite 101.