Ask Sofia: How Do I Know if I Have Depression or Just a Case of the Blues?
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s not uncommon to feel a little blue, fatigued or wistful for warmer, brighter days. However, if your brief bout of sadness or tiredness deepens, begins to interfere with your daily life or leads to loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, you may be experiencing depression. About 19 million Americans experience depression each year, according to WebMD, with women accounting for nearly twice the cases as men. At Clinic Sofia, we talk to women every day who are struggling with everything from feelings of sadness to concerns about fertility and more. We are all here to listen and to help.
Everyone experiences the blues from time to time, however, the signs of depression are more pronounced. They can include: –Lingering feelings of grief, fatigue or emptiness; –Inability to sleep or inability to get out of bed; –Loss of energy and motivation; –Significant weight loss or gain; –Irritable mood; –Difficulty focusing or concentrating. If you’ve experienced several of these symptoms for a couple weeks or more, you should talk with a doctor. Unlike the blues, depression isn’t something you can just snap out on your own. It often requires treatment such as counseling, medication or lifestyle adjustments. No matter what you’re feeling, let go of any sense of guilt around it and do your best to get the treatment and support you need to feel better.
