Am I Depressed?
As a member of your community, we are invested in helping support your growth and healing. We want you to know that if you’re feeling sad or depressed, there are people who care about you and would like to help.
There are many reasons why people become depressed. Sometimes, it may be due to an underlying medical issue; other times, it can just be caused by life circumstances. Depression is not a sign of weakness—it's actually quite common! In fact, one in six people will experience depression at some point during their lives.
While therapists aren’t exactly the same as doctors, in that they don’t take patients on a first come, first served basis, your therapist should be able to help you find a time that works best for you. If you need an appointment right away, or if it is hard for you to get out of work during regular business hours (or any other time), your therapist should be able to address these concerns and set up an appointment at a time that works best for both of you.
But what if getting out of bed every morning is so difficult it feels impossible? What if all thoughts about getting dressed and heading out into the world seem like too much? What if all social interaction seems like too much? Maybe then making an appointment with someone who has never met you before would feel like even more pressure than not seeing anyone at all. In these cases—and many others—it might be better (in fact it could save lives) if people were given access to therapy online instead of having to drive somewhere every week or two weeks depending on their insurance coverage plan.
That said: if you have been struggling with feeling sad for more than two weeks and it's making it difficult for you to go about your daily life or causing physical pain (like headaches), then please speak with someone about getting professional help through therapy or medication options.*
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment
Suicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide (nimh.nih.gov)
Depression is nothing to be ashamed about. It can creep up when we least expect it and suddenly we need help. Contact us today if you believe you may be depressed and are looking for a warm and supportive environment from the comfort of your home.
*Consult your primary care physician for medication consultation.
