Depression is not a choice. It is an illness that affects the physical body, as well as other areas of the depressed person’s life. It is not something we can just “snap out of”. However, seeking treatment options is definitely a choice.
Most of us will experience some symptoms of depression at one point or another throughout our lives. Loss and grief, life transitions and crises, injury, physical illness and increased stress may trigger depressed feelings. There is no “one size fits all” depression. It manifests differently in different people. However, the following are the most common signs.
- Feeling down, depressed, hopeless
- Little interest or pleasure doing things that used to be interesting / pleasurable
- Feeling tired and having little energy
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Having no appetite or over-eating
- Negative thoughts about yourself, others, and/ or the world
- Problems concentrating
- Lethargic or restless
- Thoughts about death and wanting to die
Certain health conditions such as thyroid problems, hypoglycemia, and hormonal imbalance may also cause symptoms of depression. People with depression are often found to be deficient in B and D vitamins and in nutrients such as magnesium. Environmental factors such as oppressive work environment or unloving living environment could also trigger symptoms of depression. However, clinical depression is most commonly attributed to chemical imbalance in the brain.
The most commonly studied and recommended treatment for clinical depression for adults is a combination of anti-depressant medication and talk therapy. However, in many cases it is possible to experience relief without the use of anti-depressants.
When you’ll decide to explore treatment options with Life Balance Counseling, we will:
- Create a safe, non-judgmental environment in which you could process your thoughts and feelings
- Examine how different areas of your life may be contributing to your depression and will develop a plan of action for each of these areas
- Work in collaboration with the medical professional of your choice to address possible physical causes
- Discover existing strengths, resources, and coping skills
- Learn new coping skills