When to Seek Help For Depression

Depression is seemingly invisible. You can be very sick but, from the outside, it may be hard for others to tell something is wrong. It can even be hard for you to determine if your feelings are normal or cause enough to visit a doctor.

So, how do you know when to seek help? The best place to start is understanding the signs and symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is more than a feeling. Everyone feels sad now and then, so it can be difficult to determine if your mood warrants an appointment with a mental health professional. Before you seek help, you might consider checking to see if you have any signs of depression, like:

• A persistent feeling of hopelessness
• Change in appetite
• Change in weight
• Inability to concentrate
• Lack of interest in hobbies
• Change in sleep habits
• Increased moodiness
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Decreased energy

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms over a prolonged period of time, reach out to a mental health professional for help. Together, you can treat your depression.

Signs of Depression in Relationships

It can be hard to notice symptoms of depression in ourselves. Our loved ones may notice a difference in our behavior before we do. If a friend, family member, or close co-worker tells you that you’re acting differently, take a moment to consider what they are saying. Of course, these conversations can be tough and hurt our feelings but, most of the time, people are reaching out because they care about you and want to help. Hearing a phrase like, “Are you okay? You’ve been acting differently lately and I’m worried about you,” may empower you to take a closer look at how you’ve been feeling and evaluate your mental health. And support from those you trust can help you find the courage to seek help.

If you feel down but no one has said anything, ask someone you’re close to if they’ve seen any noticeable changes in your behavior or mood. It is possible they may have seen a change but felt too uncomfortable to say anything.

Depression and its symptoms can affect your relationships over time. Increased mood swings, one symptom of depression, can strain your relationships with friends, family members, spouses, and partners. While you react to the effects of depression, those around you will react to you. If you are constantly angry, it can lead to more fights and hurt feelings. If you begin to notice your behavior is negatively affecting relationships, it may be a sign it is time to reach out for help.

Signs of Depression in the Workplace

Depression can negatively affect your energy and ability to concentrate. In a job setting, these symptoms can make it much harder to do your job. Depression often causes the individual to have a hard time completing tasks at work due to decreased motivation and difficulty focusing on the task at hand. If you sense your mental health is prohibiting you from reaching your potential at work, contact a mental health professional.

What Types of Treatment are Available for Depression?

There are several different treatment options available for depression. It’s important that you find a solution that fits your individual needs, whether that is talking with a counselor, taking medication or reaching out to a residential treatment program for 24/7 support. Here is a brief overview of some of the treatment options available.

Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

If you feel like you need a little extra help to manage mild symptoms of depression, outpatient treatment can be a good starting point. This allows you to visit with a therapist or go to a treatment center on a regular schedule. You can work with your therapist to determine how often you need to schedule your sessions and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment allows you to enter a home-like environment for a set period of time to receive 24/7 support all while learning coping skills that will help you to manage your depression when the program has finished. Jackson House is a residential treatment facility where we offer individual counseling, group therapy, assistance with medication management and life skills training. We help our clients learn to manage their mental illness and prepare them to more easily manage the challenges that life brings.

Depression can be treated. At Jackson House, we want you to feel better and get the care that is right for you. If you have been experiencing ongoing symptoms of depression, contact a mental health professional or ask someone you trust for help.