Understanding Depression: Symptoms, treatment and support strategies

• What is depression?
• What does it look like?
• How is depression treated?
• How can I help a loved one?
• How I can help myself

Your mental health is as much a part of your health as much as how you eat, exercise and take care of your body. Unlike other conditions, depression is harder to pinpoint.

What is depression?

Each person feels sad sometimes. These feelings pass after a few days in most cases. You may feel sad or cranky for weeks and never know that this is one of the biggest signs of depression. Basic day-to-day activities like eating, sleeping, or work are hard to do.

Depression is a serious illness but with the right care you can do more than just get by.

What does it look like?

Some symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad or "empty"
• Feeling hopeless, cranky, anxious or guilty
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feeling very tired
• Not being able to focus or recall details
• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
• Eating too much or not wanting to eat at all
• Thoughts of dying or attempts to die
• Aches or pains, headaches cramps or stomach problems

If you read this list and find yourself thinking “that’s me” to most of the list, then it may be good to talk with your provider.

How is depression treated?

Talk with your doctor or a therapist when you need help. They can check your body and may do easy tests to make sure something else is not causing your symptoms. They can also see if any medicine you take is making your mood change.

Your doctor may give you medicine for depression. These medicines do not work in one night. It may take a few weeks before you feel better. Some people have side effects like a headache, feeling sick to their stomach, trouble sleeping, or feeling nervous or upset. Some people may also have changes in their sexual health. Most side effects get better over time. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects so they can help you.

Therapy can also help with depression. A therapist can teach you new ways to think and act. You can learn how to change habits that may be making you feel worse. Therapy can also help you understand and work through hard relationships or situations in your life.

How can I help a loved one?

If you know someone who has depression, the best way to help is to make sure they with a doctor or a therapist. You can also help by:

• Giving support, understanding, patience, and kind words
• Being there to talk and listen
• Taking any talk about suicide seriously and telling their doctor or therapist right away
• Asking them out for walks, outings and simple activities
• Reminding them that with time and care, they can feel better

How can I help myself?

Helping yourself when you are feeling depressed may feel even harder to do. There are easy steps you can take to give your life the structure it needs to feel more in control. Getting outside and going for a walk a day is a good start. Other steps that may help include:

• Breaking up large tasks into small ones. Try not to do too much at once.
• Spending time with others and talking to a friend or relative about how you feel.
• Sticking with your care plan. It takes time for it to work.
• Not making important life decisions until you feel better. Discuss decisions with close friends or your therapist.

It is also vital to see your doctor or counselor after you have a hard time with your mental health. Try to see them within a week, and again within a month. These visits help you stay on track and get the care you need.

If you change doctors, it is vital to tell them if you are taking medicine for depression. Once they know, they can give you the best possible care. This will result in a better health outcome for you.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and could use some help please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply dial or text 988 to talk to someone.