What Does Depression Feel Like?
Depression impacts how you think, feel, behave, and interact with others. Sir Winston Churchill described the prolonged recurrent bouts of depression he suffered as the black dog. Dogged by feelings of sadness and fatigue, loss of interest in life, and enormous unhappiness and suffering. For others depression might feel like there is a burden they carry with them, everything feels and looks grey, or there is a sluggishness or slowness in their thoughts and movements that cannot be moved past. Depression does not look, or feel, the same for everyone.
Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and can disrupt life, relationships, and careers. It is possible for depression and anxiety to occur together. Depression is the most frequent cause of emotional suffering and significantly decreases quality of life. It affects twice as many women as men. Each person experiences depression in their own way.
What are some of the major physical and mental signs and symptoms of depression?
- Persistent low mood
- Feeling pessimistic – Life feels too hard which can make it difficult to get out of bed
- It can be challenging to summon the energy to do things like exercise or talk with a friend
- Irritability and anger
- Self-isolation, avoiding family, friends, and social activities
- Loss of interest in the joys of life, even the simple things like reading a good book
- Feelings of worthlessness based in low self-esteem that affects many areas of your life
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, feeling trapped, feeling out of control, and overwhelmed
- Confused thinking
- Poor concentration, trouble focusing on work or school that interferes with the ability to compete tasks
- Physical symptoms are aches and pains, headaches, sleep problems and appetite changes
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
The most common types of depression we see at Healthymynds
- Major depression means you feel sad and low most of the time. Symptoms include loss of interest, weight gain or loss, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, restlessness, agitation or sluggishness, lack of energy, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and suicidal ideation.
- Postpartum depression occurs in the weeks and months after childbirth. Men as well as women can experience postpartum depression.
- Situational Depression occurs when you feel depressed when trying to manage a stressful situation, such as a death, divorce, or job loss.
Depression is not a choice, and you can’t just buck up or snap out of it. There is help and hope. With a caring therapist and the right treatment, you can learn to make positive changes to address depression. If this sounds like something you or a loved one are struggling with, we at Healthymynds in Redondo Beach are here to help. Reach out to schedule a consultation and learn how to address depression.
