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Common signs of depression and mental health illness
How to catch signs of mental health illness and what treatment is available
There’s a lot weighing on our minds right now. With the uncertainty and stress caused by the disruption of everyday life, there are many things that may be affecting our mental health, too. During these times, it’s important that we pay attention to our mental state. Depression and mental health illnesses need to be treated right away and with care.
Signs of depression or mental health illness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists these symptoms as indicators of depression:
- Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time
- Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
- Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Waking up too early or sleeping too much
- Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
- Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment
- Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
- Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about getting screened for depression.
Find care that’s right for you
It’s OK to ask for help. Not everything can be solved through simple, everyday actions. There are many ways to treat mental health and depression, but one thing is for sure: you can’t just shake it off. Talk to your doctor or behavioral health specialist about treatment options.
Treatment for depression can include one or both these methods:
Therapy
Your doctor may talk to you about therapies designed to treat depression symptoms, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Other types of therapy based on research studies that show benefits for depression
Medication
Antidepressants can help with your mood and coping skills but talk to your doctor about if these are right for you. If you start taking medication, talk to your doctor before you stop, as this may worsen your depression.
Virtual Care
One way to get fast treatment for mental health is to see a behavioral health specialist with a virtual appointment. Virtual care visits allow you to seek care from the comfort of your own home. Contact your current doctor or a behavioral health specialist you might be interested in working with to see if you can schedule a virtual appointment.
Take back control
Depression and mental health can affect our lives in a way that can make us feel like we don’t have control. When you start treatment, you’ll be able to get back to yourself and regain control over your life again.
Posted: June 28, 2021