Depression Q&A
Today, I want to dive right into a topic that affects many people—depression. Specifically, I want to answer some common questions in a Q&A format.
How Do I Know If I'm Depressed?
One of the most common questions I receive is, "How do I know if I'm depressed?" Depression, or major depressive disorder, is diagnosed when someone feels down or sad for two weeks or longer. Along with this persistent sadness, other symptoms may include:
Sleeping more or less than usual
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Feeling guilty or worthless
Decreased energy and concentration
Changes in appetite, either eating more or less than usual
Thoughts that life isn’t worth living, or suicidal thoughts
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to seek help immediately by calling 988 or 911 or by visiting the nearest emergency room.
Are Some People More Likely to Be Depressed?
Depression can affect anyone, but statistically, women are almost twice as likely to experience depression as men. Genetics also play a role—if depression runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is a multifactorial illness, meaning multiple factors contribute to its onset. These include disruptions in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), genetics, and stressful life events. If depression runs in your family, your genetic makeup could make you more susceptible to experiencing a depressive episode.
Sadness vs. Depression: How Do I Know the Difference?
A common question I get is how to differentiate between normal sadness and depression, especially after a significant loss like the death of a loved one. It’s natural to feel sad in response to certain life events, but depression becomes a concern when the sadness lasts for two weeks or longer and begins to impair your daily functioning. For instance, if you’re struggling to sleep, eat, or be productive at work, it might be time to seek help. Even if your symptoms don’t last two weeks, if they feel overwhelming, there’s no harm in seeing a mental health professional.
What Can I Do to Get Out of Depression?
There are several strategies to help manage depression:
Talk Therapy: Speaking with a therapist can guide you toward emotional healing.
Behavioral Activation: This involves engaging in activities you used to enjoy, even if they don’t feel fun at first. Over time, maintaining social connections and staying active can help bring back enjoyment.
Medications: If talk therapy and behavioral activation aren’t enough, medications can be incredibly helpful. They can make a significant difference when you feel stuck in depression.
Using a combination of treatments such as therapy, behavioral activation, and medications can lead to more effective outcomes. I encourage people to try multiple approaches simultaneously to find which ones work best.
If you’d like to explore treatment options with me, I invite you to click the "Book Appointment" button to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me, Dr. Mills.
Thanks for reading, have a great day, and remember, Mental Health is Freedom!
Dr. Mills is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Freedom Psychiatry, located in California. She focuses on achieving mental wellness using medication, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.