How to Spot the Signs of Depression and When to Speak Up

Everyone feels down sometimes, but depression is more than just a bad day. When those low feelings don’t go away or start affecting your everyday life, it may be time to speak with a trusted healthcare professional. Understanding what causes depression and how to recognize the signs is an important step to getting the help and support you need.

Causes of Depression

Depression usually doesn’t have a single cause. Doctors believe it can be caused by a combination of factors over time, but it can also happen spontaneously without a clear cause.

• Genetics: Depression and mood disorders can run in families. If you have a parent or sibling with depression, your risk may be higher.
• Changes in Brain Chemistry: An imbalance in serotonin and dopamine (the brain chemicals that help regulate mood) are linked with depression.
• Life Events: Stressful experiences, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, trauma, or financial problems can trigger depression.
• Other Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other issues, such as substance abuse, chronic pain, and anxiety, can increase the risk. Some medications may also cause depression symptoms.

Recognizing the Signs

Depression often looks and feels different from person to person. Its symptoms may be subtle or intense. You may notice:

• Persistent sadness or anxiety
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
• Changes in appetite or weight (eating more or less than usual)
• Sleep issues (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much)
• Low energy, even after resting
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Physical pain without a clear cause
• Thoughts of self-harm

You may also notice changes in your behavior, such as:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Isolating from friends and family
• Struggling to keep up with responsibilities
• Taking more risks or acting impulsively
• Problems with sexual desire

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you have any of these symptoms, especially if they linger for 2 weeks or longer, it’s important to seek help. A visit with your primary care doctor is a good place to start. He or she can assess your symptoms, rule out any underlying health conditions, and guide you toward next steps, such as referring you to a mental health professional. Here are some tips to get the conversation started.

• Before your visit:

1. Write down your questions or concerns ahead of time.
2. Make a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take.
3. Note your family mental health history.

• Bring support. Consider bringing a trusted friend or relative to your visit to feel more comfortable, take notes, and ask questions for you.

• Be open and honest. Describe your symptoms clearly and in as much detail as you can, such as when they started, how often they happen, and how they affect your life.

With depression, you don’t have to wait for things to feel worse. Taking that first step to talk to your doctor might feel difficult, but it’s an important move toward feeling better and reclaiming your well-being.