Five Signs You Need Depression Treatment

Depression treatment is widely available, but many people don't recognize that they need help. Depression is more than just feeling down or having a case of the blues; it is a medical problem like any other that can benefit from professional treatment.

So how do you know if your depression is more than just a normal sadness and that you need to seek depression treatment? There are specific symptoms to look for to see if your depression is severe enough to seek the help of a mental health professional.

5 Signs You Might Need Depression Treatment

Having Symptoms Most of the Day on Most Days

When your depression symptoms last for most of the day and continue in this manner for at least two weeks, consider seeking help for your depression. Feelings that result from negative situations are typically not as persistent as clinical depression. When you can't shake the symptoms no matter what, it might be time to see a therapist.

Change in Sleeping and Eating Habits

If you suddenly develop insomnia or find yourself sleeping most of the day away, you might need depression treatment. Unexplained changes in sleep patterns are a common sign of depression. The same is true with eating. If you experience a significant weight loss or weight gain due to changes in your appetite, this could be a signal that you need help for your depression. Sometimes these changes can be attributed to passing illness or an emotional event, but when they persist or appear out of the blue, they can be a cause for concern.

Feeling Worthless or Empty

If feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or emptiness persist on most days, therapy might help. These feelings are often a symptom of the chemical imbalance that causes severe depression. Once you start depression treatment, you might start noticing an improvement in how you view yourself.

Losing Interest in Activities

Have you noticed that activities you used to love no longer bring you pleasure? If so, this could be a sign of depression. Forcing yourself to engage in these activities is not the answer; treatment could be. Seek appropriate depression treatment and you might find yourself enjoying your activities again, and you might even develop some new hobbies as well!

Feeling Irritable and Moody

Depression is more than sadness and depressed feelings. Depression can manifest itself through irritability and moodiness as well. One of the goals of depression treatment is to balance your moods and help you feel better.

If you or a loved one in your life is suffering from depression or exhibits depression symptoms that prevent them from living a healthy, productive life, it may be time to seek depression treatment from a professional mental health center.

Ben Brafman, LMHC, CAP is the President and CEO of Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center, a licensed mental Health treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields, which led him to develop a combination of innovative treatment protocols at The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center. He has been published on various topics including dual diagnosis and chemical dependency, and gives back to the community by educating other addiction counselors at his Academy for Addiction Professionals.

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