Sadness is a normal emotion. But sometimes it gets out of control.
Are you currently finding less and less joy in your life? Perhaps you struggle to concentrate or make decisions? Maybe you’re finding yourself withdrawing from family and friends? Do you ever wonder whether you might be depressed?
It’s normal to feel sad sometimes. You might even say that it’s healthy to feel occasionally sad. It gives us balance and a reference point to help us identify when we’re happy.
Sadness isn’t something we can (or should) avoid. It’s an entirely natural response to life’s ups and downs. Sadness reveals how we would like to be treated, and it directs how we might treat other people.
There’s usually an underlying cause of our sadness – we might have lost something or someone, or we may have recently faced disappointment. And, with time, the rawness of that loss or disappointment diminishes.
But for some people, that sense of sadness doesn’t go away and you find yourself left with a hollow feeling that just won’t go away. If this is the case for you, there’s help available.
Do I feel sad? Or am I depressed?
Everyone feels sad. And – perhaps – the worst place to look if you do feel sad is social media, where people share the fantastic parts of their lives rather than THEIR sad moments.
Sadness is normal, and a feeling of relief typically follows it. Perhaps you have a good cry, or you talk things through with a friend, or you engage in your favourite activity?
Sadness is usually relatively fleeting and gives way to more positive emotions.
Depression is different: it refuses to budge. And the transient sadness that we all feel is replaced by a deep sorrowful despair that won’t go away; no matter how much you get involved in things that used to make you happy.
Depression could be defined as a deep (or even light) sadness that won’t go away on its own; lasting for over two weeks.
How does depression feel?
Depression has a negative impact on mood. Sorrow is one of the most significant symptoms, but it’s not the ONLY symptom.
We might begin to see ourselves differently, and the world around us might feel threatening, intimidating, or unfriendly. Even our friends, who love and care about us, can feel more distant, despite their efforts to help.
Depression is a little like life with all the best bits pushed aside – everything feels murky. It can affect your general energy levels, your motivation, and your self-esteem. It can negatively impact your work and relationships and can get worse if left to its own devices.
Why am I depressed?
Sometimes you can trace your depression back to an event. Maybe you lost your job (or didn’t get that promotion), or you may have lost a loved one.
Depression can creep in over time, with no particular specific or obvious trigger, and manifests in different ways.
Some people struggle to get out of bed; others are adept at putting on a brave face in social situations. Eventually, that becomes exhausting, leaving no energy for themselves.
Sometimes we just lose interest in things that once brought us enjoyment.
What are the symptoms of depression?
If you’re suffering from depression, you might experience a range of these symptoms:
- Bad concentration
- Difficulty with making decisions
- Lack of interest in the things you used to enjoy
- Low (or no) motivation
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Low energy (despite plenty of sleep)
- Interruption of standard sleeping patterns
- Aches and pains
- Thoughts of suicide
- Low self-esteem.
- Feelings of unexplained guilt or paranoia
- Changes in weight (loss or gain)
- Diminishing sex drive
What to do if you’re depressed
Depression usually minimises over time, but it can be a hellish wait.
If you suspect that you’re suffering from depression, it’s essential to speak to a mental health expert. In partnership, you’ll work together to identify a diagnosis and help you find your way out of your depression.
Please don’t suffer in silence; it often only makes things worse.
Seeking help isn’t a failure; it’s a positive step towards recovery.
What type of treatment might help my depression?
Every person is different, and everyone responds to different types of therapies. SupportRoom can help you find the right therapist for you; providing support when you need it the most.
Our therapists for sufferers of depression will help you delve into the root causes of your depression in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment. And they will help you find a treatment approach that helps you when the going gets tough.
How SupportRoom can help
SupportRoom is a digital, behavioural healthcare company, connecting clients with a network of licenced therapists.
Our web-based platform is easy to use and super-convenient – accessible on the web or our mobile-first platform. Our therapies and web-based services are fully HIPAA-compliant and offer 24/7 support from qualified therapists.
Access our friendly, confidential services via text, video- or voice message at any time of the day or night; from anywhere with an internet connection.
SupportRoom offers therapy where you need it; when you need it: realtime treatment from skilled, experienced, qualified therapists.
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