 Most of us feel low from time to time. Usually the feeling doesn’t last for long, the heaviness lifts and we feel okay again but for some people it lingers on for days, weeks or even months. This happens when depression has taken hold and it often affects several aspects of a person’s life including sleep, work, and relationships. If this sounds like you, are you the kind of person who just keeps going and trying to push through it? That may work for a while until it becomes more and more difficult. If you’re wondering if this is all too much then it may be time to talk to someone who understands your experience. Sadness vs. Depression: Knowing the difference Sadness arises as a response to something. It could be a disappointment in life, a loss or an event that leaves us feeling sad. Usually this is a temporary state that we experience as a wave of emotion but eventually it wears off as circumstances change over time. Depression is something else entirely. It’s a persistent shift in a person’s emotional state that is characterised by a range of symptoms or effects. Here are some signals that you may have depression:
It’s rotten isn’t it? You don’t have to experience everything on the list above to have depression but if you identify with some of these signs and your quality of life has changed then seeking support would be good idea. Some signs that it's time to see a therapist There is no comprehensive checklist but I always use a screening tool for depression with any client who thinks that they may have depression. Here are some strong signs of depression: It has lasted for more than two weeks. The occasional rough patch is normal but a rough patch that persists or goes away only to return again isn't something you have to endure. You've stopped enjoying things you used to. This is one of the clearest markers of depression, and one people often miss because it creeps up on them slowly until they just feel “blah” about everything. It's affecting your daily functioning. Everything feels difficult and like it’s such an effort. Those everyday tasks are all just too much – showering, tidying, answering calls, replying to emails are unusually challenging. You're relying on something to get through the day. You might find yourself using something to self-medicate and help you cope. It could be alcohol, junk food, doom scrolling or some other habit that helps to numb out unpleasant feelings. People close to you have said something. Someone may have reached out to you to express concern and to offer support. Sometimes a person can be so low that they can’t evaluate for themselves just how unwell they have become. Don’t dismiss someone else’s observations because they might be worth your attention. You're having unwanted thoughts that distress you. Thoughts about self-harm, not wanting to be here anymore or suicidal thoughts are disturbing and distressing. These types of thoughts are a clear signal to reach out at once. Don’t put off seeking help if you are experiencing these types of thoughts. Yes, but is it bad enough? Most people ponder upon this question whilst soldiering on yet gradually getting worse. Often people don’t even recognise the symptoms of depression within themselves. I would always prefer that you seek help in the early stages of depression before it becomes so entrenched that you find yourself experiencing more severe symptoms and taking much longer to recover. There are no medals to be won for battling depression on your own! Think about this way, wouldn’t it be much easier to seek support now before it becomes intolerable? There are plenty of studies proving that early support tends to be shorter and more effective than support that starts after months or even years of trying to cope without professional support. What therapy for depression actually involves Counselling and psychotherapy involve not just talking about your difficulties and processing your feelings but also learning how to manage your emotions and cope with the symptoms of depression. I work with clients to enable them to understand their thoughts and their behavioural patterns, become familiar with coping tools, and learn practical techniques that leave them feeling lighter within weeks, rather than months. We name and work through the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Alternatively, we might focus more on underlying patterns learnt since childhood or explore any life transitions that are proving difficult. My intention is to help you figure out what approach feels right for you, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're in a crisis right now If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out for immediate support:
The last word It’s okay to talk about feeling depressed and you don't need to wait until things feel unbearable. If depression has been affecting your daily life for a couple of weeks or more, it could be time to seek help. Reaching out isn't a weakness or a sign that something is deeply wrong with you. In fact it's a sign that you're paying attention to your feelings and you’re ready to do something about it. That’s a good sign. If you're not sure where to start, booking an initial consultation is a low-pressure way to talk things through with me and I will help you figure out the next steps. If you'd like to find out more about how I may help you then don't hesitate to get in touch: Contact DISCLAIMER This article is for information only and it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of depression, please consult your GP or a psychiatrist for a diagnosis. This blogpost is written without the use of AI. ©Tracy Daniels | Therapeutic Counsellor, Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist, Professional Mindfulness Practitioner, Enhanced DBS |
Tracy Daniels
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