Feelings of gloom, loneliness, and an overwhelming low are common for everyone. However, some people experience these feelings intensely, for extended time periods, such as weeks, months, and even years, and at times, without any apparent reason or cause. We call this depression. As it is quite understandable by now, depression is more than just an ephemeral bout of sadness. It is a serious condition with physical and mental health impacts.
However, what many people do not know about depression is that it can impact anybody. According to the World Health Organization, around 280 million people have depression. But, the good news is that depression is treatable and manageable.
Symptoms and Manifestations of Depression
Before navigating the recovery route of depression, let us check out some of the symptoms and manifestations of depression.
A person with depression may experience overwhelming feelings of –
- Sadness
- Misery
- Guilt
- Frustration
- Underconfidence
- Disappointment
- Lack of concentration
Some of the common behavioral symptoms linked with depression are –
- Withdrawal from close friends or family
- The person stops going out or socializing
- The individual prefers isolation, in an unhealthy way
- He or she no longer enjoys the activities they previously enjoyed
- Dependence on alcohol, sedatives or drugs
Lastly, some of the physical indicators of depression are –
- Feeling tired all the time
- A churning gut
- Problems with sleep
- Loss or change in appetite
- Frequent headaches, muscle pains, or stomach pain
- Significant weight loss or gain
Depression manifests in a multidimensional way. It affects how people feel, act, and think. Depression makes it very challenging to manage the mundanity of everyday life and interferes with work, study, relationships, etc. A person may be depressed if for more than two weeks they have been marred with an overwhelming and looming feeling of sadness or misery, and are fast losing interest or pleasure in the things and activities they previously enjoyed.
Recovery Route in Depression
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No Two Recovery Journeys are Alike
The most important thing to consider while talking about recovery from depression is that no person’s recovery journey is the same as another. Some individuals recover from depression in a few weeks or months, whereas for others, depression is a long-term illness.
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There is Always a Risk of Relapse
There are no constants in depression. While some people become depressed only once in their lifetimes, others face depression multiple times. A survey by the American Psychiatric Association reveals –
- Around 50 percent of people who experience an episode of major depression go on to face a second one.
- Around 80 percent of people with two depressive episodes face a third one. Consequently, the risk of relapse is always present.
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Reaching Out is Always Imperative
The recovery route from depression is incomplete if you do not reach out in a timely fashion. Whether it is a relapse or the surfacing of symptoms, getting help from a professional therapist in Hopkins, MN, is imperative. Speak to somebody who understands and get the help you need!
