depression
What is depression?
Cultural awareness has risen in the last few decades about depression, leaving us with a general idea of what it means. Feelings of sadness, isolation, loneliness. Disinterest in things you used to love. You've seen the commercials.
Something worth mentioning, though, are some less well-known symptoms. Depression might sound easy to identify, but in real life it looks different for different people. Sneakier symptoms might include:
Angry outbursts
Irritation
Suddenly sleeping too much
Inability to sleep or sleep well
Lack of energy
Noticeable change in appetite, increasing or decreasing
Slow thinking
Trouble making decisions
Unexplained aches or pains
Restlessness
Loss of interest in pleasure, including previously enjoy activities or even sex
When should I get help?
If you notice several of the above symptoms that don't have other reasonable health explanations, reaching out for counseling could be helpful. Technically, symptoms have to go on for a long time before Major Depressive Disorder can be diagnosed. There's no reason to wait that long to get help.
Therapy can be helpful for many reasons, whether or not a major disorder is diagnosed. If you noticed persistent pain in your body, you wouldn't want to wait until it was inoperable to get it checked out by the doctor. Similarly, talking to a mental health professional can be helpful whether or not you're sure you're suffering from diagnosable depression. In fact, a therapist can help you understand symptoms and find ways to cope and manage them.
If you're still curious about your symptoms and want to take a non-official quiz, you can take one here: https://www.sandstonecare.com/screening-tools/depression-test/
Levels of Severity
Like most things, depression can have levels of severity. One person might experience "mild depression," experiencing few symptoms or symptoms at a lesser level, while another person has many extreme symptoms.
In either case, the needs of the individual are the highest priority for mental health professionals.
Who can help?
Professional language can be confusing. Here's the breakdown:
LPC. Licensed Professional Counselor, also called a psychotherapist: Has a Master's Degree or higher in Counseling, licensed by the state, and provides counseling/therapy; usually with specialization in certain therapies.
LCSW. Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Has a Master's Degree or higher in Social Work. Similar to LPC with a few different licensing requirements. Licensed by the state and provides counseling/therapy; usually with specialization in different therapies.
Psychologist. Has a PhD in Psychology. Many work in clinical settings and complete studies on various issues related to psychology. Mostly work to diagnose, not necessarily treat symptoms. Some practice in counseling settings.
Psychiatrist. Is an MD or DO who specializes in mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Typically prescribes medication and help with medication management. A few will also provide counseling services.
Nutritionists/Dieticians. Provide services that help with the nutrition aspect of mental health. They can help look at some natural, underlying causes of depressive symptoms.
What if I'm having suicidal thoughts?
If depressive thoughts have reached this level, immediate help is available. The national suicide hotline can be reached on your cell phone via text or call at 988 (basically 911 for mental health).
If you need further evaluation, your local emergency room should be able to evaluate your needs in case observation and immediate medication are needed.
-written by Chelsea Rhoden, MA, LPC
All of our counselors at Here Comes the Sun Counseling are trained to help with depression. You can read bios of our therapists here and book a free 15 minute phone consultation with one of them by clicking the book now button below.
We also have a holistic nutritionist on staff. You can read what she offers here.