Are you depressed?

by Brooke Strickland

“Feeling depressed” is a term that people often use flippantly when things aren’t going their way, or if they’re feeling bummed out about a particular event in their life.  But depression is no light matter.  It is a life-altering condition and can be challenging not only for the person coping with it, but for family members and friends around them.  Feeling discouraged or down is a normal part of living and being sad is a natural reaction to some parts of life.  But if you’re feeling in a constant state of gloom or despair, and feel like there’s no way out, you may be facing depression.   We’ve compiled a list of depression symptoms below.  If you’re experiencing these signs on a regular basis, it’s time to consult your doctor.

•  You can’t sleep or you sleep too much
•  You are unable to concentrate
• You find that easy tasks are now difficult to complete
• You feel hopeless and helpless
• You can’t control your negative thoughts
•  You’ve lost your appetite or are eating too much
• You are irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive on a regular basis
•  You’re engaging in reckless behavior such as drinking too much alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors
• You have thoughts that life isn’t worth living[1]

Men and women deal with depression in different ways, but it’s been shown that depression in women is twice as high as men, mainly due to hormonal factors.  It’s also important that everyone’s personality is different, so coping with depression can look different for everyone.   

Do not panic if you or someone you know may be struggling with depression.  It’s important to ask for help and get the needed support to help combat negative thoughts.  When you feel like you’re alone, reach out to someone who can support you.  Make positive changes to your lifestyle and most importantly, seek medical help if necessary.   Life is too short to be depressed.  Being positive and happy will help you live life to the fullest.