Depression is often misused to describe typical periods of sadness we experience when going through difficult situations. Because so many people equate depression with episodic sadness, the severity of the disorder remains highly misunderstood. Clinical depression, in its many forms, is pervasive, impacting all areas of a person’s life. When left untreated, clinical depression typically worsens over time and can have dire consequences. Contrary to popular belief, individuals with clinical depression cannot shake it off or snap out of it. They require professional treatment.
Harmony Hills is a mental health treatment center offering a comprehensive depression treatment program in Florida. Throughout the years, countless people have achieved recovery from depression through our individualized treatment approach. If you or someone you love suffers from clinical depression, we can help. Contact our team at 855.494.0357.
Learn to Recognize Depression Symptoms vs. Sadness
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders throughout the world and is the leading cause of leading causes of disability for tens of millions of people. While feelings of sadness are an integral part of depression, they are very different. Recognizing the difference can help you know when to seek a depression treatment program.
Sadness is a normal emotional reaction to a significantly stressful, challenging, or unexpected life event. It is typically linked to an identifiable event or trigger. People experiencing sadness can experience relief by finding a way to vent, such as crying, yelling, journaling, exercising, or talking to someone. Sadness goes away with time. Additionally, when someone is experiencing sadness, they can still enjoy other aspects of their life.
By contrast, depression is an all-encompassing mental health disorder and can overpower a person’s ability to manage everyday life. Sadness is just one symptom of depression, and those suffering usually cannot identify a particular source of their sadness. Besides sadness, depression symptoms can include:
- Loss of interest in typically enjoyed activities for an extended length of time
- Significant and unintentional weight loss or weight gain
- Sleep disturbances, including sleeplessness, insomnia, or hypersomnia
- Persistent feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness
- Fatigue and low energy
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Depressed mood that for most of the day, on most days, with noticeable signs of hopelessness or sadness
- Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide, or making suicide plans or attempts
Other symptoms of depression can include restlessness, irritability, digestive problems, and somatic complaints, such as headaches, stomachaches, and general aches and pains not associated with a specific cause. Individuals who demonstrate five or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks can receive a diagnosis of clinical depression that requires professional intervention.
Warning Signs of Suicide with Depression
Unfortunately, depression carries a high risk of suicide. Any expression of suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken seriously and addressed immediately with professional help. If you or someone you love suffers from depression, it is critical to be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide, which include:
- Constantly thinking or talking about death
- Taking risks that can result in death, such as reckless driving or extreme drug or alcohol use
- Suddenly putting affairs in order and visiting or calling close friends and family
- Frequently making statements such as “Everyone would be better off without me.”
- Talking about or making references to suicide, even in a joking way
- A sudden change in mood, such as abruptly seeming calm or happy
The majority of people who die by suicide usually show symptoms first. If you recognize any signs of potential suicide in yourself or a loved one, seek help immediately. Call your local 911 or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Contact Harmony Hills for a Depression Treatment Program in Florida
Living with depression can cause tremendous suffering for the affected person and their friends and family. Luckily, depression treatment is readily available, accessible, and effective. When you or a loved one needs a depression treatment program in Florida, turn to Harmony Hills.
We offer a variety of evidence-based, holistic mental health therapies to address the causes and symptoms of depression and co-occurring disorders. When you have acknowledged the need for depression treatment, contact our team at 855.494.0357 to take the next step toward recovery.
