Reading the Signs of Depression
Spring has arrived, and warmer days are here. We can say goodbye to those gray days and colder weather. It’s during those gray days that we often feel down, or maybe even depressed, but are they signs of depression, or is something else? It is normal for the weather of the day to play a role in how we feel for a short time. However, if the spring weather isn’t helping your mood, it might be time to be honest with yourself. If it is more than just feeling down, you may be dealing with depression.
Feeling Down vs. Depression
Just like the weather, life is a series of ebbs and flows. Seasons can be joyful or difficult. There can be times of stability and uncertainty. It is normal to feel down. We should allow ourselves to experience all ranges of emotions. There is no feeling that is right or wrong, good or bad. What we do with those feelings is what separates feeling down from signs of depression.
Just like the weather, life is a series of ebbs and flows. Seasons can be joyful or difficult. There can be times of stability and uncertainty. It is normal to feel down. We should allow ourselves to experience all ranges of emotions. There is no feeling that is right or wrong, good or bad. What we do with those feelings is what separates feeling down from signs of depression.
What Does It Mean to "Feel Down"?
Feeling down is often connected to a specific event. It could be something small, like a disappointment at work or an argument with a family member. Something like a walk, a quick workout, a 5-minute meditation, or even a shower can be helpful. While these helpful coping mechanisms can’t fix our problems, they can shift our mindset.
Signs of Grief and Signs of Depression
Feeling down can be triggered by something on a much larger scale, like grief. Grief is something that you can experience for a lifetime. A licensed therapist is key to moving forward in the grieving process. There shouldn’t be any pressure in this situation, as grief is an extremely personal experience. However, experiencing grief in a healthy way, although difficult, is not the same as depression.
Many experiences can make a person feel down. It can be a rainy day or even a burnt dinner. It can also be something serious: poor health or medical diagnosis, death, estrangement, or a financial crisis. Seeking a therapist in these situations does not always indicate signs of depression. Therapy teaches you skills to work through these scenarios.
What Is Depression?
Depression is not caused by one event. Depression is when you cannot escape “feeling down.” There are more bad days than good days. Depression also makes it extremely difficult to maintain authentic relationships with others. When you are dealing with depression, isolation can be an early indicator. Depression makes it hard to engage in hobbies, collaboration, and even family mealtimes. Depression, like any illness, requires a diagnosis and a treatment plan. It can range from weekly therapy to more intensive practices, medication, or a combination.
Depression Is More Than Feeling Down
Never let anyone, even well-meaning friends, minimize your depression. Depression does not go away if you plan a trip, eat ice cream, or take a bubble bath. It might (or might not) improve your mood at the moment. However, while these pick-me-ups work when you’re feeling down, they can make your depression seem worse. It may make you feel guilty that these methods work for others but not for you. Depression is an illness. You wouldn’t treat a cold with an ankle brace. It is equally as ridiculous to think you can treat depression with a shopping spree and a spa day.
At Renewed Wellness Counseling, we are here to support you on your path to combat depression. Our therapist will walk you through the best way to treat your depression. Please reach out for a free consultation. You can choose between in-person or virtual therapy sessions.
