Depression or Sadness: Signs You May Be More Than Just Sad

Feeling blue, down in the dumps, and having a heavy heart. There are many different ways to express the feelings of sadness, but there is only one word to describe the point when life begins to feel bleak, monotonous, or hopeless: depression. Depression affects millions of Americans and people worldwide, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t cause feelings of intense isolation and despair. When your normal moments of melancholy begin to affect your day-to-day well-being, that is when it might be time to seek help. Hess Psychological Services is here to help you through your depression and guide you to the happier side of life.

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than just being sad. It is a common, but serious mood disorder that affects the way you feel, think, and act. Depression is characterized by a persistent lowering of the mood and loss of interest in normal activities. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, that can affect your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression is more intense and prolonged than having a case of the blues. Some signs and symptoms that you may be suffering from depression include the following:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Sudden outbursts of anger, frustration, or irritability.
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities.
• Loss of pleasure in activities like sex.
• Sleep disturbances and lack of energy.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, and remembering.
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and self-blame.
• Physical problems like body aches.
• Thoughts of suicide.

It is important to note that signs and symptoms can vary depending on age. Children and teens may exhibit different symptoms than adults who are suffering from depression.

Types of Depression

There are several different types of depression that can affect individuals of any age. These include:

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder, sometimes called Clinical Depression, is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness that lead to a loss of interest in daily activities and other physical symptoms. Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder must last for at least 2 weeks to receive a diagnosis.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder is a form of mild to moderate chronic depression that does not go away. To receive a diagnosis, the symptoms of depression should last for two years or more in adults and one year or more in children. Those with PDD have a low, dark, and sad mood, in addition to other symptoms.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of major depression that is brought on by seasonal changes and typically improves after the season passes. It is most common for patients to experience SAD in the colder, darker months of winter, but it can occur at any time of year.

Treatment for Depression

At Hess Psychological Services, we offer a variety of treatment modalities in order to uncover the most effective solution for your condition. When it comes to establishing ways to cope and live with your depression, we know that there is no single treatment that works for everyone. We offer treatments like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients identify, explore, understand, and manage their emotions to lead them on a path toward transforming them entirely. In this, we aim to restore health, hope, and happiness to the lives of our patients.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and devastation and find that they are impacting your daily life, it is time to get the help you deserve. At Hess Psychological Services, we are dedicated to helping our clients restore harmony and peace to their lives. To schedule a consultation with founder Dr. Heather Hess, please fill out an online contact form.