Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. It can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, and it can lead to emotional and physical problems.
Take this quick assessment to find out if you have clinical depression. Don’t worry, your information will not be saved nor shared with anyone.
What Are The Symptoms Of Clinical Depression?
Clinical depression varies from person to person, here are some common symptoms that you need to know about.
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Irritability
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Fatigue or low-energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Appetite or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
How To Overcome Clinical Depression?
Here are some ways through which you can cure clinical depression. Please keep in mind that none of these methods will guarantee 100% results, you will need to be patient and steadfast.
1. Medication
Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are often prescribed to help regulate mood. It’s important to take these medications as prescribed and not to discontinue them without consulting a healthcare provider.
2. Therapy
You might have heard about group therapies for people with clinical depression, if done properly, it really works. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their depression.
3. Lifestyle Changes
If you try to implement healthy habits into your life then it will be for the better. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can help improve symptoms of depression.
4. Support Groups
Try joining support groups, you will have a lot of fun and it will also help you with depression. Joining a support group or talking to others who have experienced depression can provide valuable support and encouragement.
5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve mood.
6. Always Set Realistic Goals
You cannot get rid of clinical depression in a month or so, and you need to be mentally prepared for that. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help prevent feeling overwhelmed, which can worsen depression.
FAQs
Question: What Are The 3 Signs Of Clinical Depression?
If you are constantly feeling pessimistic, irritated, or guilty then you might have clinical depression.
Question: What Is The Most Common Type Of Clinical Depression?
Major Depressive Disorder is the most common type of clinical depression.
Question: What Is The Final Stage Of Depression?
Acceptance is the final stage of clinical depression, you accept that you are afflicted with depression and need professional help.
I appreciated the assessment tool. The 1 out of 10 score that I had reinforces the fact that I am mentally sound and able to get over irritability and slow down in order to grasps things.