Clinical Depression: What Is It?
You haven't felt like yourself lately. When you wake up, you can't help but feel as if you barely slept. It doesn't matter what you try to do; you just feel like you are forcing yourself to do anything — even the things you enjoy.
Maybe you are noticing that you seem easily irritated by everything and everyone, but you can't figure out why. Alternatively, you might notice that you are emotional and feel like crying more than normal.
For many people, this is the reality of living with depression. In particular, these are signs of clinical depression.
What Is Clinical Depression?
In the mental and medical health fields, depression is called major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
It is a disorder that impacts somebody's mood and affects how they feel, think, and behave.
Symptoms of Depression
Not every single person will experience depression in the same exact way. People can have any combination of these symptoms:
Feelings of sadness that won't go away
Easily irritated
Negative thinking
Feeling helpless
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
Low energy or fatigue
Sleeping too much or not enough
Changes in appetite (eating too much or not enough)
Headaches
Stomachaches/GI issues
Thoughts about self-harm
Feeling restless
Social isolation
Lack of motivation
Different Types of Depression
Different types of disorders fall under the umbrella term of clinical depression. They can have any combination of the above list and some are caused by specific situations.
Major Depression
This could be considered the classic case of depression that most people are somewhat familiar with. Symptoms of major depression need to consecutively last two weeks or more and impact someone's daily life to receive a diagnosis.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
This is more commonly referred to as high-functioning depression. People with high-functioning depression can experience any combination of depression symptoms — however, their daily functioning skills aren't impacted as much. But that doesn't mean they aren't suffering. The symptoms just aren't as severe. Persistent depressive disorder symptoms must be present for 2 years or longer to receive this diagnosis.
Perinatal Depression
This type of depression occurs before or after a pregnancy. Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy, and postpartum depression occurs after the baby is born.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
This is referred to as seasonal depression. While it is most common to experience this during fall or winter months, any changing of seasons can bring this on. Once the season is over, the symptoms will dissipate.
How To Deal With Depression
Regardless of what type of depression someone has, it can be hard to deal with. Even in those who are considered high-functioning, depression symptoms can have a big impact on someone's overall mental health and well-being. Here are a few tips to help you deal with depression.
1. Take It One Day/One Task At A Time
When you feel you have no motivation, the list of things you need to do can feel extremely overwhelming. Take it one task at a time instead of looking at the big picture. If the whole house needs to be cleaned, focus on one room or area at a time. If you have a list of errands, try to do those one day at a time, too.
Humans, and society in general, put so much pressure on individuals to constantly succeed and stay busy. Lessening the impact this has on you can make you feel as if you are more in control of your own life.
2. Show Kindness To Yourself
Most of us are consistently hard on ourselves. We berate ourselves for every mistake and setback that we may have. We'll show compassion to everyone but ourselves. Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. It might not feel like it, but you are doing the best you can given your circumstances.
It's okay to ask for help when you need it. If you are struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for support through depression therapy.
