Depression Symptoms: Top Signs You Should Seek Help for Depression

August 29th, 2024

Just a few decades ago it was not common practice for medical providers to use depression screenings or depression tests with their patients. Luckily with the increased focus on mental health that came at the turn of the century, more and more medical providers are requiring this screening as part of their basic intake paperwork.

If you or someone you know is dealing with depression, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn the top signs that signal you should seek help for depression and more.

Depressions Test & Screenings

Depression tests and screenings are essential tools used by healthcare professionals to identify and evaluate the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in individuals. These screenings can be critical in various scenarios. Here are a few examples:

Scenario 1

Sammie goes to her OBGYN for birth control. Upon speaking with her provider, she notes she has been sad this week because she lost the bracelet her mom left her but that she will be fine.

Scenario 2

Jane goes to the primary care doctor and while being assessed she states that she has not been feeling well emotionally. Upon further explanation, Jane mentions she has recently lost her job and had been crying and unable to get out of bed for the last few days. This can be considered situational depression as the cause is the lack of employment and the worry about the hardships that may ensue.

Scenario 3

At her annual checkup Sarah reported that while work and her relationship with her husband are fine, she has lost weight from not eating, is not motivated to hang with her close friends, has been feeling hopeless, finds it hard to focus and last week was scared after thinking about taking the whole bottle of pain pills.

Here are a few more less specific instances where depression testing and screenings are useful:

Routine Check-Ups: Depression screenings are often incorporated into regular health check-ups to ensure mental health is addressed along with physical health. This proactive approach helps in early identification and intervention.
Primary Care Visits: When individuals present symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, or unexplained aches and pains, primary care physicians may use depression screenings to explore if these could be signs of depression.
After a Major Life Event: Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss might trigger depressive episodes. Screenings can be particularly useful in these instances to assess emotional impacts and initiate necessary support.
During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Women are particularly vulnerable to depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Routine screenings help to identify perinatal and postpartum depression, which can significantly impact both mother and child.
In Schools and Universities: Adolescents and young adults face unique pressures and challenges that can lead to depression. Educational institutions may implement screenings to detect students at risk and provide them with timely mental health services.
In Senior Care: Older adults might experience depression due to various factors such as isolation, the passing of friends or partners, or chronic illness. Regular screenings in these environments ensure that the elderly receive the mental health care they need.
Substance Use Recovery Programs: Individuals recovering from substance abuse are at a higher risk of depression. Screenings within these programs can guide the integration of dual diagnosis treatments that address both substance use and underlying mental health conditions.

Differentiating Depression vs Sadness

The three women described in the section above demonstrate some of the various ways that depression screenings are important to use in all medical settings as well as how depression may manifest within someone. I have heard many people mention that they are depressed but it is important to know the difference between sadness and depression.

A diagnosis of depression looks at specific depression symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, sleeping disturbances whether too much or too little sleep, change in appetite and weight, concentration difficulties, physical symptoms such as digestive concerns or pain, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, and suicidal thoughts.

While sadness is a normal part of living and can usually go away rather quickly. It's important to differentiate between depression and sadness, as they affect mental health in distinctly different ways.

Depression vs Sadness:

Depression, on the other hand, is a clinical mental health condition that goes beyond temporary feelings of sadness. It is characterized by a pervasive and persistent sense of despair and disinterest that lasts at least two weeks and interferes with daily functioning. Depression affects not only mood but also energy levels, appetite, sleep patterns, and concentration. It often requires treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Sadness is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at various points in their lives. It is usually triggered by specific situations or events, such as experiencing a loss or facing disappointment. Sadness is temporary and tends to resolve as you come to terms with the triggering event.

Key distinctions include:

Duration: Sadness is transient, while depression is long-lasting.
Impact on Functioning: Sadness doesn’t typically impair one’s ability to function in daily life, whereas depression significantly impairs daily functioning.
Physical Symptoms: Depression is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as changes in appetite or sleep, significant weight loss or gain, or decreased energy.

How Common is Depression?

It is estimated that about 17.3 million people suffer from major depressive disorder in the United States. It is likely that either you or someone you know may have experienced sadness, but it is also possible that someone you know may have experienced clinical depression symptoms.

Historically, depression has been thought of as a taboo topic. Many people hide the fact that they are depressed choosing to battle depression symptoms alone while others seek help and fear being ostracized.

However, many people never go on to get help for a variety of different reasons stemming from lack of access to care, cultural concerns, or not acknowledging that something is wrong.

Am I Depressed?

If you're questioning whether you might be experiencing depression symptoms, it's important to understand that admitting you need help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Acknowledging that you're struggling with mental health issues does not diminish your character or capabilities. In fact, seeking help is a proactive step towards regaining control of your life and well-being.

Below we'll touch on some of the tell tale signs that may signify you are dealing with depression. It's important to note that for a clinical diagnosis of depression, depression symptoms must typically be present for at least two weeks.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Help for Depression

Depression often manifests through a variety of emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly impact day-to-day life. Here are the top signs indicating that it might be time to seek professional help:

Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: A constant feeling of sadness or emptiness that doesn’t go away, often accompanied by a sense of hopelessness or pessimism about the future.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure: A noticeable lack of interest or pleasure in all or most activities, including hobbies, sports, or social interactions that used to be enjoyable.
Changes in Appetite and Weight: Significant weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting, or changes in appetite, especially a reduced desire to eat.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleeping, difficulty staying asleep, or waking up much earlier than usual.
Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Feeling tired all the time, even after sleeping or resting, with every task feeling exhausting.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt: Harsh criticism of oneself for perceived faults and mistakes, or excessive guilt that is disproportionate to the situation.
Difficulty Thinking or Concentrating: Problems with concentration, decision-making, or remembering details that disrupt daily activities.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.

If you recognize these depression symptoms in yourself or someone else, it's crucial to seek professional assistance from a depression therapist or psychiatrist for depression. This way you can receive the proper depression treatment, with the right support, individuals can recover and regain a sense of fulfillment in life. Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous and positive step towards healing.

National Depression Screening Day

There has been a movement towards normalizing the discussion around depression and mental illness in general. On October 6th, an annual call to action takes place, National Depression Screening Day.

It is a national push to spread awareness, reduce the taboo and get people to help. Many will be participating so that hopefully when people like those in the above fictitious vignette go to be seen by their providers, they can receive the mental health care they need as well as not feel scared to report their feelings.

To help, here is an example of questions that could be asked during a screening:

Little interest or pleasure in doing things

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Feeling tired or having little energy

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Poor appetite or overeating

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Or the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or hurting yourself

NOT AT ALL
SEVERAL DAYS
MORE THAN HALF THE DAYS
NEARLY EVERY DAY

If you checked off any problems, how difficult have these problems made for you at work, at home, or with other people?

NOT DIFFICULT AT ALL
SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT
VERY DIFFICULT
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT

People may think admitting that they are depressed or experiencing any other mental health illness makes them weak. It doesn’t! Asking for help is a very brave and self-loving thing to do

Depression Treatment Options

Depression is a complex mental health condition, but it is also treatable. A variety of effective treatment options are available, each tailored to meet the individual needs of those affected. Here’s an overview of the therapies and programs that can help manage and overcome depression:

Depression Medication: Antidepressants can help correct chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to depression symptoms. It’s important to work closely with a physician to find the right medication and dosage, as this can vary significantly between individuals.
Talk Therapy: Psychological counseling or psychotherapy for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), provides a safe space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Talk therapy helps develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies.
TMS Therapy: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS treatment) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain involved in mood control and depression. TMS for depression is often considered when other depression treatments have not been effective.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): A PHP program provides comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment while allowing patients to go home at night. This type of program is designed for individuals who need structured treatment that is more intensive than outpatient therapy but less restrictive than inpatient hospitalization.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOP for depression offers a high level of care for depression, providing several hours of therapy per week while allowing patients to maintain their everyday activities like work or school.
Alternative Treatments: Some people may find relief with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, meditation, or yoga, which can be used in conjunction with more traditional therapies.

Each treatment option has its benefits, and often, a combination of therapies can be the most effective approach when it comes to depression treatment. It's crucial to consult with a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist to determine the best treatment plan based on individual symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences. With the right support and treatment, individuals with depression can regain their balance and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Psychiatrist & Therapist Near You For Depression

Struggling with major depressive disorder symptoms? It's crucial to seek professional help. Connect with top-rated mental health professionals for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that can pave the way to a personalized treatment plan for depression. Whether you're looking for an online psychiatrist to manage your care from the comfort of your home, or searching for the best psychiatrist near you for face-to-face consultations, we are here to support you.

Apart from providing leading psychiatric care, we also provide the best therapists near you for depression and other mental health issues.

Our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating major depressive disorder with a range of effective options, including major depression disorder medication management tailored to your specific needs.

If you're considering advanced treatments, explore our TMS therapy near you or our PHP program & IOP programs for depression.

If you are curious about transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, take our TMS Test self assessment. Our experts will analyze your results and reach out to let you know if TMS therapy for depression is a good fit for you.

Find cutting-edge solutions such as TMS near you at Clarity Clinic, the best mental health clinic in Chicago. Don’t let depression define your life. Reach out today and take the first step towards healing and recovery.

Book a Consultation For Depression Take Our FREE Depression Test (PHQ-9)

Related Readings:

Depression: Commonly Asked Questions

How do you know when to seek help for depression?

You should seek help for depression when it begins to interfere with your ability to function in daily life—such as working, studying, interacting with others, or taking care of yourself and your responsibilities. Other indicators include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and physical symptoms like changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels.

What are the 3 most serious symptoms of depression?

While all depression symptoms should be taken seriously, here are the top 3 you should look for:

Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: An overwhelming and continuous feeling of sadness that doesn't seem to go away.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Frequent thoughts about death, suicidal ideation, or actual attempts at suicide, which are the most alarming signs and require immediate intervention.
Significant Impairment in Daily Functioning: When depression severely affects one’s ability to manage daily tasks, work, and relationships, it indicates a serious level of depression.

When does a depressed person require help?

A person with depression requires help when depression symptoms are persistent and begin to affect their mental and physical health, daily functioning, and quality of life. Help should also be sought immediately if there are any signs of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or behaviors, as these indicate a critical need for professional intervention.

What are warning signs you need to seek help for a mental illness?

Seek help for a mental illness if you notice persistent changes in mood or behavior, withdrawal from social activities, changes in performance at school or work, physical symptoms (such as headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain), and substance abuse (Increased reliance on substances like alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism).

Written bySamantha Adjekum, LCPC