Depression
Mental health matters to us and we hope it matters to you. May is mental health awareness month, so we asked our Parkridge counselors to help us share info about a common mental health issue—depression.
What is Depression?
People often describe depression as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger, but it can be experienced in many different ways. It can influence relationships and can complicate some health conditions.
Depression is relatively common mood disorder. Studies show that 7.1 percent (or approximately 17.3 million) of American adults ages 18+ struggle with depression.
Youth depression and anxiety have doubled since the pandemic in 2020. Read more here.
Women are more likely than men to report experiencing depression and seek help. Although men are less likely to talk about depression, this disorder affects many men.
There are many different types of depression. Read in depth descriptions here.
It is important to note that feelings of sadness are normal.
Depression often presents as lack of motivation or interest in things that used to bring joy.
When these feelings are persistent, last most of the day, and continue for 2 weeks or more, it is time to seek help.
Signs You Might be Experiencing Depression:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy or fatigue
Moving or talking more slowly
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, and they are persistent for most of the day for several weeks, this may be depression, and we would encourage you to seek help from a professional counselor, therapist, or doctor.
Parkridge Can Help!
We hope the information included here is helpful, and is received in conjunction with other medical information. This blog post is not intended to replace information directly received from a medical provider. Parkridge offers limited free counseling on a variety of issues including depression. All of our services (pregnancy testing, confirmation ultrasound, STD testing and treatment, and professional counseling) are always free of charge, confidential, and delivered by licensed professionals. If you think you may need help, schedule an appointment or call Parkridge today at 806.794.8555.
Resources
Everything You Want to Know About Depression. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/depression. Accessed on: May 21, 2024
Depression Statistics. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Available at: https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/depression/statistics/. Accessed on: May 21, 2024
Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml. Accessed on: May 21, 2024
Youth Depression and Anxiety: Review of JAMA study. Acailable at:
The pandemic doubled youth depression and anxiety, study finds | CNN Accessed on May 21, 2024
