Our moods go up and down normally.

 

Tell-tale signs of depression

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• Feeling down (in the dumps), blue, blah, sad, empty, hopeless, discouraged.

• Not feeling like doing anything, having a hard time getting moving and going, not really enjoying anything (even things you enjoyed in the past), not really caring any more. Getting out of bed can be a lot of work – same with showering or bathing, brushing teeth. Withdrawing or socially isolating from family and/or friends – don’t want to see them, talk to them, take their phone calls, or reply to their messages.

• Having a hard time sleeping – too little or too much.

• Not feeling like eating so forcing yourself to eat, or eating way too much maybe for comfort. Along with that, weight may change too – losing or gaining weight.

• Having a hard time concentrating, focusing, deciding, or thinking.

• Having no energy, feeling tired, or fatigued.

• Not feeling or thinking great about yourself, like a sense of worthlessness. Not feeling or thinking life has purpose or direction.

• Really affecting your work life, social life, school life, etc. You notice, and other people notice too.

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Factors

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Some people have a family history of depression. Some families don’t talk about emotional or mental health – past or current. Maybe you suspect some of your family members are going undiagnosed or untreated for depression. Or maybe they’re “self-medicating” their depression, or maybe you are. Some times we can figure out why we’re feeling depressed, connected to a specific situation like a relationship breakup, end of a marriage, or a loss. Other times we can’t figure out why we’re feeling depressed. Some times medications can help with stabilizing and improving mood.

 

Help and Hope

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If any of this sounds / feels / looks like you, reach out and connect to me and/or someone. We can talk to see what’s going with you (past, present). Together we can work on a path upward and forward (future). We can start with small, tiny, doable steps – set you up for success, and be flexible at the same time. My role may be to guide, nudge, encourage, cheerlead. I typically like to meet regularly or weekly with people who are dealing with depression. As their mood improves, we can space out our sessions until we decide no need for us to follow up. I can hold hope for you, even if you don’t hold, see, or know it for yourself just yet.

 

Note: If you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself, please get help. Here are some crisis resources.

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