Depression Disorder versus Naturally Depressed

Q. Depression is a natural occurrence in life. Why?

A. Because situations happen to everyone at some point in life that cause you to become depressed. Life cannot be lived on the mountain top every day, nor can anyone live in a valley every day of their life.

Chronic and ongoing signs and symptoms of depression are mental health issues that a doctor must diagnose and treat. Chronic depression is nothing to be ashamed of, feared, taken lightly, or neglected. Chronic depression is a mood disorder that presents many variables. You could present some or all of these causes could be some or all of the following.

• Biological, inherited traits

• Brain chemistry

• Hormone changes

• Thyroid deficiency

• Menopause

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

These signs and symptoms can be long-term or short-term. If you suffer from chronic depression, you may have some or all of these symptoms every day that becomes quite noticeable.

• Sadness, tearfulness, hopelessness, irritability, frustration, loss of interest in life

• Insomnia or sleeping too much

• Decreased appetite, weight loss, constant overeating weight gain

• Anxiety, restlessness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self-blame

• Thoughts of suicide or attempted suicide

• Loss of focus

• Unexplained physical problems

• Relationship issues

• Drawing away from social activities

• Unexplained fatigue

• Memory issues

Chronic depression interferes with your daily life and causes a continuous loss of interest in things you once had an interest in, feeling of sadness, loss of appetite, or constant eating, insomnia or too much sleeping, nightmares, missing work, inability to concentrate, and more.

Chronic depression is not your fault. Depression is much more complicated and has many variables. These natural ups and downs of life can cause some natural depression short-term. When depression is chronic and takes over your life as you once knew it, it may be time to seek counseling help and visit your primary care doctor. Chronic depression has one primary cause, changes in the chemical makeup in the brain. Chronic depression can easily lead to drugs and alcohol abuse.

The following are natural depression triggers. Loss causes temporary depression until you regain some control and accept the loss and find a way to deal with the loss.

• Loss of a loved one

• Loss of a beloved pet

• Loss of a job

• Physical and mental abuse

• Serious illness

• Terminal diagnosis

• Financial debt

• Severe stressors

• Chronic pain

Chronic Depression Factors

Situational or short-term depression temporarily alters your personality; chronic depression and mental illness can cause long-term personality changes.

Chronic Depression has Complications

If you have chronic depression you have a chronic mental health problem. Know that this is a serious illness. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Depression can take a toll on your health, family, friends, and co-workers. Chronic depression can develop emotional, behavioral, many health problems, and an early death.

Counseling Help, a Phone Call Away

Some people cannot identify why they feel bad. Others know they are depressed and seek advice from their doctor or counselor. We cannot help you until you want help. If you have chronic depression, we are here for you, via a virtual mental health call or an in-person appointment. We are eager to talk with you.

There is so much more to life than dealing with these signs and symptoms every day. Virtual mental health and in-person sessions are available to you, but you must be the one to call for help. Depression is real, and we have tips to give you to help prevent depression. We are listeners, and we want to hear your story and help you.

• Empathy

• Wisdom

• Help you bear your burdens.

• Provide insights

• Provide psychoeducation

• Provide tips to control depression