How Do I Know If I’m Depressed?

A twisted ankle or sore throat are obvious health issues, but some concerns aren’t that easy to self-diagnose. This can be especially true when it comes to mental health conditions like depression.

At Lewis Family Psychiatry, our expert psychiatric nurse practitioners partner with our patients to provide comprehensive personalized care to address a range of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, including depression. 

With our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform and online services, it's never been easier or more convenient for Floridians to get the care they need.

Depression

About five percent of the population around the world suffers from depression, with more women affected than men. A result of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences, depression comes in multiple forms, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and more.

Sadness vs. depression

It's common to wonder when feelings of sadness veer into depression, and there are several ways to help determine this. 

First, it's natural to feel sad or grieve about a difficult life situation such as the death of a loved one or loss of a job or relationship, but that doesn't automatically indicate depression. Second, depression is often accompanied by additional symptoms.

Symptoms of depression

Symptoms of depression can range from mild to moderate to severe. Some signs to watch for in addition to sadness include experiencing a sense of helplessness, worthlessness, or hopelessness. 

Feelings of irritability or anxiety, as well as problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, can also occur. Losing interest or enjoyment in activities and hobbies is another sign.

Depression can also manifest in physical symptoms such as fatigue or a lack of energy, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or suffering from physical pain that has no other cause. Thinking about death, suicide, or attempting suicide are other indications.

Duration of symptoms

While the symptoms of depression vary from person to person, if you experience changes that significantly impact your physical habits, work, and relationships, and that lasts most or all of the day for at least two weeks, it may be depression, and a consultation with a medical expert should be pursued.

Treatment

Different treatments or combinations of treatments depend on the individual, and it may take some trial and error to find the best balance. Rest assured, however, help is available. Options can include talk therapy, medication, complementary medicine, lifestyle changes, and more.

We provide individualized treatment plans that consider the whole person. Using a combination of Western medicine, Eastern ideas, and holistic practices, we can help you start feeling more like yourself.

Click our contact button or call us at 561-303-0433 today for a virtual assessment or treatment appointment.

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