Living with depression can be difficult and make daily life a challenge. It is normal for people to go through difficult times and feel sad for a time, but depression lingers and makes simple tasks seem impossible. Here are a few signs you should see your doctor when you’re depressed.
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that affects you due to feelings of sadness and loss of interest in normal activities. Also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder is not sadness that you can just emerge from but needs treatment to overcome. Many struggling with depression experience some of the following symptoms:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Irritability and angry outbursts
- Loss of interest in once-loved activities and hobbies
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of death and/or suicidal thoughts or attempts
When should I talk to my doctor about feeling depressed?
Mental health conditions like depression are often taboo topics, and many do not want to discuss these feelings with a doctor. However, seeing a medical professional can do wonders for your mental health and get you the treatment you need for your depression. If you aren’t sure if you should talk to your doctor about depression, here are some reasons you might want to consider doing so.
Depression is Constant
A symptom of a depressive episode is often when you lose interest in activities you once loved. Withdrawing from hobbies, sports, time with friends and family, and other activities often indicates depression, especially if it persists for longer than two weeks. It is also typical for depressed individuals to lose interest in having sex.
Weight and Appetite Changes
People who feel depressed often find they experience changes in their weight and appetite. For some, it may look like skipping meals and forgetting to eat, while others may experience an increased appetite and weight gain. A sign of depression is when one reaches for comfort foods while not being concerned about nutrition.
Sleep Changes
Depression also causes changes to sleep habits. Some may find that they sleep all day and, as a result, are unable to sleep at night. Other times, insomnia prevents them from getting any sleep. Another sign of depression is when you reach for sleeping pills on a regular basis to try and block out your sadness. If you feel this way, it is important to seek treatment for your depression with a mental health professional.
Lacking Energy
Although depression often keeps one from participating in lots of activities, it is mentally draining, leaving you feeling exhausted. You might feel like you cannot accomplish your household duties, cook, or get up to exercise. Getting out of bed or off of your couch.
How do I seek help for my depression?
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and they often go hand-in-hand. Sometimes we think we can deal with our symptoms on our own or that they will get better in time. However, this is not always the case, and if you are experiencing the above symptoms, it may be time to seek out professional help.
The first step is making an appointment with your doctor. They will give you a physical exam and assess your situation. From there, they will decide what steps you will need to take toward healing. Your doctor may suggest seeing a mental health professional, enrolling in talk therapy, or joining a support group.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, consider reaching out to UBERDOC for help. UBERDOC allows you to get the care you need in an easy and affordable way. We offer both in-person and telemedicine appointments. So, if you are having trouble getting outside of your house, you can have your appointment in the safety and comfort of your home. Contact us today to find out more about how UBERDOC can help you!
