Depression: Remission is Possible

Depression is one of the most common psychological conditions in the United States. Based on a 2014 report from the NIMH, “an estimated 15.7 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States had at least one major depressive episode” within the year. One could imagine that the actual number of people who have experienced a major depressive episode is even higher than it was in 2014, not just due to years passed but also due to so many folks with depression going undiagnosed.

If you see the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, it can be wise to seek treatment sooner rather than later. Ignoring depression or expecting it to go away on its own can actually make symptoms worse. Depression is treatable, and you can move past this and find remission with a trained therapist.

Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Depression?

Sadness, distress, and feeling discouraged are normal feelings that people have from time. These feelings usually go away after some time, and they won’t significantly affect your decisions, moods, life, or work. Depression is different.

Depression can make you feel persistently and profoundly sad, hopeless, helpless, and uninterested in things that matter. It can zap your energy, dull your focus, disrupt your life and work, and even cause you to feel physical pain. Though the signs and symptoms vary from person to person, there are some common ones to look out for such as weight loss or gain, changes in sleep, appetite changes, negative self-image, anger, irritability, and avoiding people.

Beyond Feeling Sad

Depression is only one type of Mood Disorder that can cause serious symptoms that not only impact your mood but also your functioning. Major Depressive Disorder goes beyond simply feeling sad. The symptoms of this subtype of depression are severe enough to obstruct your ability to live and enjoy your life. Other types of mood disorders include Dysthymia, Bipolar Disorders and more.

Untreated, depression can become worse and be accompanied by other psychological and medical conditions, or comorbidities. These comorbidities can make depression more complicated, as it tends to get worse in combination with other conditions. According to the CDC, though it is not a necessary aspect of aging, older adults are susceptible to depression, especially if they have one or more chronic health conditions.

Move Forward with Help

Depression can make you feel miserable in every aspect of your life. But, like any medical condition, it is treatable. Depressive symptoms are not something you just have to deal with, even when you are older or have a chronic ailment. Look forward to a happier and more fulfilling life by seeking assistance from an experienced therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville (West), NC Office.

Depression can happen to anyone. You can show your strength by acting to address your concerns now. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville (West), NC Office, and schedule your first appointment.

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