Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Medically Reviewed
Jack Maroney, MSHCA, LADC1
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns in the United States and throughout the rest of the world. In the U.S. alone, about 21 million adults had at least one depressive episode in the past year. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is an essential first step on the path toward treatment and a healthier future.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, you’re not alone. Our depression treatment in Nashville can help you create new pathways in your life.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Untreated depression can have a detrimental impact on virtually every part of a person’s life. The myriad signs and symptoms of depression can include changes in how a person thinks, feels, appears, and acts.
Physical Signs of Depression
Although depression is a mental health condition, people who develop this disorder may also exhibit physical signs such as:
- Abnormal sleep patterns, including insomnia (having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep) and hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
- Persistent fatigue and exhaustion, even if they have been getting an appropriate amount of sleep
- Increase or decrease in appetite, which can lead to unintentional weight gain or loss
- Headaches, muscle tension, stomach aches, nausea, and other symptoms that don’t have a medical cause
Psychological Symptoms of Depression
The psychological signs and symptoms of depression are more disruptive than merely “having a case of the blues.” Examples can include:
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing
- Forgetfulness
- Persistent feelings of sadness and despair
- Lack of hope for the future
- Little to no motivation
- Low self-esteem, to the point of self-loathing
- Little to no self-confidence
- Recurring thoughts of death and dying
- Suicidal ideation
Behavioral Signs of Depression
If you suspect that someone in your life may be suffering from depression, keep an eye out for the following behavioral signs:
- Finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning
- Becoming easily agitated or angered
- Frequent absenteeism and/or diminished performance at work or in school
- Not paying bills, missing appointments, and otherwise failing to meet their responsibilities
- Pulling away from friends and family members
- Spending increasing amounts of time alone
- Inattention to grooming and hygiene (such as not showering, combing their hair, or brushing their teeth)
- Ending or curtailing their participation in activities that used to be important to them
Effects of Untreated Depression
Depression is a treatable condition. But if a person who has this disorder doesn’t get the care they need, they can remain at risk for considerable harm. The many potential negative effects of untreated depression can include:
- Problems finding and keeping a job
- Financial difficulties, which can lead to a loss of personal independence
- Strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Development or worsening of co-occurring mental health concerns
- Social isolation
- Self-harm and suicide
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), experts estimate that the lifetime risk of suicide among people who have untreated depression may be as high as 20%. To put this into context, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has reported that the rate of attempted suicide among adults in the general public is about 0.7%.
Important note: If you believe that you or someone that you know is at imminent risk of suicide, please get help immediately. In the United States, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can access this free resource by calling or texting 988, or by visiting https://988lifeline.org/.
Treatment Options for Depression
When they receive proper care, people who have depression can experience significant improvements in their quality of life. But there’s no single type of therapy or course of treatment that works for everyone.
Depression treatment can take a variety of forms depending on the specific needs of each patient. Once a patient completes a thorough intake assessment, their treatment team can begin to determine which levels of care, medications, and therapies may be right for them.
Levels of Care
Some patients may only need to receive care in one of the following programs, while others may benefit from spending time in two or all three:
Medication
The following are examples of the types of prescription medications for mental health that may be included in a person’s customized depression treatment plan:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Therapy
The therapeutic component of depression treatment can help patients learn to manage symptoms that aren’t alleviated by medication. Therapy can also address co-occurring mental health concerns as well as the social and behavioral aspects of this condition.
The following are examples of the many therapies and related services that have proved to be beneficial for people whose lives had been disrupted by depression:
- Individual, group, and family psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Somatic therapy
- Spravato treatment
- Alpha-Stim
- Biosound therapy
- Red light therapy
Learn About Depression Treatment in Nashville Today
Arbor Wellness is a respected provider of comprehensive, personalized services for adults who have been impacted by the signs and symptoms of depression. Our depression treatment center in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a full continuum of care within a safe and highly supportive environment.
To learn more about our programs and services, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call our center today. A friendly member of our team will be happy to answer all your questions and help you decide if Arbor Wellness is the ideal place for you.
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