It’s no secret that it’s a pretty turbulent time in America. “Unprecedented times” is a phrase we’ve heard so much lately. People wonder aloud if this historical period will be remembered just as “The Unprecedented Times.” The name wouldn’t surprise any of us, given so many political, social, and other challenges we face regularly. It would be normal to feel a little down from time to time. We all do. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be human. We react and feel things, but not all of them are amazing. That’s okay.

How Can You Identify Depression?

What if those feelings always seem to be around and keep coming back? What if you feel yourself pulling away from the things and people you usually enjoy? You might ask yourself, “Am I depressed? Or am I just sad?” While sadness might pass, depression isn’t something to take lightly. If you think you might have depression, you will want to find professional help.

Here are some things you could think about when it comes to identifying depression:

Feelings of Hopelessness or Feeling Helpless

Major depression is a mood disorder that can make everything feel out of reach. You might start to feel like your goals don’t matter or that you won’t be able to reach them anyway. After a while, this kind of thinking could become your outlook on life. Maybe make a note to check in with yourself if you start feeling these types of feelings or if you feel things like worthlessness, self-hate, or a lot of unnecessary guilt. These things might all point back to a sign of depression.

Losing Interest in Things You Used to Love

If you have depression, it can take away the pleasure of doing the things you love. It could be a sport, a hobby, maybe a career you used to love, or friends…if you’ve lost interest in those things or withdrawn from them, it might be depression. Withdrawing from sex or intimate relationships could be another sign. If you’re noticing this kind of pulling away, note it could be depression.

Anxiety and Its Byproducts

Nervousness, restlessness, tension, the feeling of being in danger, dread, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, twitching, and problems focusing on one thing all point to anxiety. Everyone gets a little anxious sometimes, but if it happens a lot, that could be something to think about when it comes to depression.

Prolonged Tiredness or Having a Hard Time Going to Sleep

When you’re feeling overwhelmed and down, it can be tough to rest, that’s for sure. Everybody has a night here or there when it’s a little hard to get to bed, or maybe it’s too easy to stay on your phone in bed when you should be asleep.

Everybody comes home from a long day, takes off their shoes, and thinks about dozing off for a bit. But if you want to sleep all the time, fantasize about your bed, or take a lot of naps every day, it might be something to consider for depression. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and down, it can be tough to rest, that’s for sure.

Irritability in Men

Depression can look a little different in men. Let’s be honest; men sometimes dislike being open about their feelings. That’s all right, guys – we get it. But when we’re looking out for our bros, instead of the typical things you think of when it comes to what depression looks like, men might show irritability, escapist behavior, risky behavior, substance abuse, or bursts of anger.

Men also tend to be less willing to recognize their depression or seek treatment. Make sure you let the guys in your life know you are there for them. We understand, guys – and we got your back!

When Should You Reach Out to a Counselor?

This isn’t a complete breakdown of depression, but if you or someone you’re close to shows some of these signs, it might be time to ask for help. There are lots of different things you can do from there. One place that many start is professional counseling.

Counselors help you process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They help you find out if you might want to try medications and can refer you to a doctor. Counselors have several strategies that can help you find out if you’re depressed and what you can do if you are.

Ready to Take the First Step?

No matter where you might be in your journey, Salt Therapy and Wellness is here to help guide you through the challenging circumstances you are facing. Our qualified and compassionate therapists have virtual sessions available to help new clients in Oklahoma get started on their path as soon as possible. Call today or reach out to us to schedule your consultation or learn more about our services. Contact us!