Depression
Depression can be a result of life events, seasons, work stress, finances, or a strained relationship. It’s natural to feel a little blue, fatigued or empty from time to time. 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. Your caregivers at Clinic Sofia talk to women every day who are struggling with everything from feelings of sadness to concerns about fertility and more. Every provider is 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 your caregiver. Unlike the blues, depression is not 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 reach out to your caregiver to get the treatment and support you need to feel better.
