Depression can feel like you are stuck in a deep, dark hole with no way out. You may feel hopeless and helpless, as if your situation is never going to improve. This can be an incredibly difficult state to overcome, but it is not impossible. In this blog post, we will discuss what depression is, what causes it, and how you can start to overcome it!

So what is depression? 

Depression is a mental health disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Depression can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and appetite changes. Depression can make it difficult to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events.

If you are struggling with depression, know that you are not alone. Depression is a very common mental health disorder, affecting approximately 20% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives. But just because depression is common does not mean that it is not serious. Depression can be extremely debilitating and even lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide.

What might cause depression?

Depression can have many different causes. It may be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression may run in families, but it can also be triggered by certain life events, such as the death of a loved one, financial problems, or job loss. Some medical conditions can also lead to depression, such as cancer, heart disease, and thyroid problems. Sometimes it can very difficult to pinpoint a cause of depression, and sometimes it can even be difficult to tell when we might be living in a depressed state entirely. Depression affects people of all ages, genders, and walks of life.

How can I start to overcome depression?

If you are struggling with depression, there are steps that you can take to start feeling better! First, it is important to seek professional help. Depression is a serious mental health disorder that benefits from treatment from a qualified mental health professional. Therapy and medication are often effective treatments for depression.

In addition to professional help, there are things that you can do on your own to start feeling better. Depression can make it difficult to find the motivation to do anything, but taking small steps can help. Try to get up and move around for at least 10 minutes every day. Eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and drugs. Spend time with friends and loved ones, or join a support group. Doing things that make you happy, such as listening to music or reading, can also help lift your mood. 

Depression is a serious mental health disorder, but it is treatable. If you are struggling with depression, know that there is hope and help available! Feel free to look into more information online here from the Mayo Clinic, a very reputable and valuable outside resource for anything relating to physical or mental health: More Info.

- Aaron Schwartz
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Feel free to learn more or schedule a session here