Signs and symptoms of clinical depression

Most of us have felt sad at some point in our lives. Sometimes we feel melancholy after we suffer the loss of a relationship or we feel like life circumstances have gotten the better of us. Feeling down occasionally is normal, and even healthy. However, individuals who suffer from clinical depression experience a low mood and sadness most of the day for prolonged periods of time.

According to the Archives of General Psychiatry, approximately 14.8 million Americans adults, or 6.7 percent of individuals over the age of 18 will suffer from clinical depression in any given year. While it can develop at any age, the median age of onset is 32 and it is more prevalent in women than in men. The National Institute of Mental Health states that individuals with depression are four times more likely to have a heart attack.

Clinical depression consists of a set of symptoms that are much more severe than just being unhappy or sad. Symptoms of clinical depression include:

• Increases or decreases in sleep patterns (hypersomnia or insomnia)

• Inability to concentrate on tasks that you were once able to do

• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

• Inability to control negative thoughts no matter how hard you try

• Loss of appetite or eating more than usual (weight loss or gain)

• Irritability

• Consuming more alcohol than normal or participating in reckless behaviors

• Unexplained aches and pains

• Loss of energy or loss in experiencing pleasure in doing things that you once found pleasurable

• Suicidal thoughts or ideations or thoughts that life just is not worth living.

If you experience suicidal thoughts or ideations, you should seek help immediately from your local primary health care provider, mental health counselor, or hospital.

Warning signs of suicide include:

• Talking about killing or harming one’s self

• Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped

• An unusual preoccupation with death or dying

• Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)

• Calling or visiting people to say goodbye

• Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)

• Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”

• A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy.

When you’re feeling extremely depressed or suicidal, your problems may not seem temporary and they may seem overwhelming and permanent. But with time, you can feel better, especially if you reach out for help. If you are feeling suicidal, know that there are many people who want to support you during this difficult time, so please reach out for help!

Mental Health Center Crisis in Hill County can be reached at:

312 3rd St.

Havre, MT 59501

265-9639

1-888-718-2100 (crisis phone)

If the physical causes of clinical depression are ruled out by your primary care physician, clinical depression can be treated through medication management, therapy and/or lifestyle changes. Contact the Center for Mental Health for more information regarding treatment.