Do You Have Clinical Depression?
By Randi Morse
It's quite sad to think about the fact that depression is now considered a common illness. More than 340 million people throughout the world have been diagnosed and are being treated for depression and it is very likely there are a lot more people who go undiagnosed. There's a big difference between situational sadness and depression, and understanding that difference is important.
Situational Sadness
When someone you love passes away, when you lose a job or are dealing with serious financial stress, or when you are given an unfavorable medical diagnosis, you may find that you feel sad, and this is OK. It's not normal to be happy all of the time. A feeling of sadness occasionally is absolutely normal, and it is important that we allow ourselves to be sad when we feel that way.
Depression Symptoms
Clinical depression is generally much more serious than situational depression. Clinical depression can be triggered by a sad situation, but it is a sadness that continues on for a lengthy amount of time and that can affect your emotional and physical health. People who struggle with clinical depression find that they have a very difficult time maintaining their regular routine and doing their daily list of chores. They may even have such a difficult time getting out of bed that they miss work. Some of the most common symptoms of clinical depression are:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt and anxiety
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Appetite changes
- Sleeping changes
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of energy
- Long-term sullen mood
When to Seek Help
How do you know when you should seek professional help? One benchmark to look for is how much your life is affected by how you are feeling. Are you able to go to work on a daily basis and complete your job satisfactorily? Do you have a hard time getting out of the house? Are you uncomfortable spending time with your friends and family? If your life is dramatically altered by your feelings of sadness, you may want to seek mental health help. A diagnosis of depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and many times people find a great deal of solace and knowing that they are not alone and utilizing one of the many treatment options available to those who have been diagnosed with this serious mental health condition.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Murphy, Tex.