Feeling low, down, or blue once in a while is part of life. But for millions of people, sadness isn’t just an occasional dip; it’s a daily weight. What’s more concerning is how many people are living with undiagnosed clinical depression or other forms of depression without even realizing it.
People like this might push themselves through the workday, force themselves to socialize, and tell themselves to “just get over it,” or it’s “not that bad” even as their motivation, energy, and sense of joy decrease.
Does this sound familiar?
It might be time to stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking, “Am I depressed?” Today, we’ll help you understand the symptoms of depression, the different types of the disease, how medication may be able to help, and help you understand if you may need depression treatment in NJ.
Am I Depressed? Signs and Symptoms of Clinical Depression
Clinical depression doesn’t always look the way you might expect. When you think of depression, you might picture someone in bed, window shades closed, contemplating suicide. But you don’t have to cry every day or be unable to get out of bed to meet the criteria. Many people function well enough on the outside but struggle on the inside. Clinical depression is also known as major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s a serious mental health condition, and a disease like any other, not a sign of weakness or a frailty. For someone to be diagnosed with clinical depression, they must have at least one of the following symptoms persistently for more than two weeks at a time.
Dysthymia is related to Major Depressive Disorder but tends to be less acute but happens for a longer time, covering months or years. The most common symptoms of both include:
- A Persistent low mood: A sense of heaviness or emotional numbness that lingers for weeks
- Loss of interest: In hobbies, activities, or things you once enjoyed
- Fatigue or low energy: Even small tasks can feel exhausting or overwhelming
- Sleep changes: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping way more than usual
- Appetite changes: Eating significantly more or less than normal, often without realizing it
- Feelings of worthlessness: Excessive guilt can also be a sign
- Difficulty concentrating: Brain fog, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally checked out
- Physical pain or discomfort: Headaches, stomach problems, or other aches with no clear cause can be psychosomatic
- Irritability: Feeling snappy, short-tempered, or emotionally reactive
- Withdrawal: Isolating from friends, family, or coworkers
- Hopelessness or despair: Feeling like things will never get better
- Thoughts of suicide: Even passive thoughts can be a red flag
If you recognize any of the above in yourself, even just a little bit, you can take our depression self test to learn more. It may also be time for outpatient depression treatment or even an IOP for depression.
The Different Types of Depression
It’s a little-known fact, but there are many different types of depression, and not all depression is the same. The feelings you’re feeling may fall under one of the clinically recognized categories. Helping to understand which kind you may have can help you get the most effective treatment.
Common types of depression include:
- Major Depressive Disorder: This type of depression is marked by a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and more. With this disorder, these symptoms last for at least two weeks.
- Dysthymia: This type of depression lasts longer than MDD, but may not be as acute. Many people don’t even know they have this type of depression.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: This is depression that typically strikes in the autumn or winter when sunlight is more limited.
- Bipolar Disorder: bipolar disorder is a condition marked by alternating instances of mania and depression.
- Postpartum Depression: This type of depression happens after childbirth and can be particularly severe.
- Anhedonic Depression: This type of depression is characterized by an inability to feel pleasure or joy. It’s less about feeling sad and more about feeling nothing.
A licensed clinician, such as at an IOP for depression, can help determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Medication Management: Depression Treatment in NJ
Do you have to take medicine to feel better?
No, not always. Medication isn’t always necessary, but it can provide rapid symptom relief that “takes the edge off” as you make progress in therapy.
For some, lifestyle changes and therapy alone can significantly reduce symptoms. Antidepressants aren’t a cure, but they can be a powerful flower in the bouquet of treatment.
Our center for depression treatment in NJ can include medication if you’d like, and includes psychiatric consultation on medication for many of our patients. The choice is up to you.
Is Outpatient Depression Treatment Right For You?
Depression treatment is more effective than ever. If you’ve seen a therapist in the past, or you’re skeptical, don’t be. You shouldn’t settle for being sad and miserable or “just getting by”. Let us help you enjoy life again.
Depression can’t be cured but it can be well-managed so that symptoms don’t get in the way of living a full life. Give us a call at (732) 686-0007 to learn more about depression treatment in NJ, and how you can live a full, happy life again.
Sources:
Antidepressants. Cleveland Clinic.
Depression Medicines. FDA Office of Women’s Health.
