Why Am I Sad All the Time, Do I Have Depression?
A good question. Depression is likely to be part of most people’s lives at one point or another. Increasing numbers of people are being diagnosed with depression whether mild, moderate, or severe. What causes depression is a question that cannot be answered easily. Multiple factors including genetic predisposition, personal history, past or present abuse and, more can all lead to depression.
Overall, our world increasingly presents sources for a change in personal self-worth. Pressures to succeed are very real and in our uncertain times can be daunting. We define our identity by our success as a great parent, employee, the smartest student, the best athlete, the perfect couple or model family. Divorce, lost relationships with family members, a job that is demanding but not meaningful, no time for enjoying life, the death of a loved one or, perhaps a combination of life events at once, are not uncommon and may be overwhelming. Perhaps, the ideal of being happy has left us with less resilience to painful life events.
Clinically speaking, depression can be defined as a mood disorder distinguished for an overwhelming, persistent, and unshakable feeling of sadness or emptiness. It can be accompanied by anger, hopelessness, insomnia, thoughts of death, appetite changes, and self-harm. When it effects relationships, responsibilities, and even daily habits such as showering, or even getting out of bed, it is time to consider getting help. Depression is real. It is important to realize that depression is NOT an emotion like sadness, which we can exercise control over, but rather a medical diagnosis. If you find yourself saying “I identify with this and I need help,” the good news is you have already taken the first step. While medicating the symptoms may help, and wanting fast relief is understandable, to heal requires treating the underlying causes, and learning effective ways of living beyond the cause. Therapy provides a safe environment to do the work of finding what helps. I am here to help you on your journey. Call Serenity Hope Counseling Services today, because yes, you are important.