How do I know if I'm depressed? The symptoms of depression

The symptoms of depression

The easiest way to determine if you're depressed is to think about how you've been feeling in the past few weeks. Have you found yourself constantly feeling sad or just sort of numb? Have you been overeating, or skipping meals? How have your sleep patterns been? Has anyone told you you've seemed restless or sluggish?

  • Feeling sad, down, or empty
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Easily angered or irritated
  • Low energy
  • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Anxiety and restlessness

If any of these describe how you've been feeling lately, it may be time to seek depression treatment. Our depression test can give you a better idea if your symptoms match up with those associated with MDD.

Am I Depressed?

Everyone feels sad from time to time, but depression is different – it lasts. Left untreated, depression robs us of life experiences and numbs us to the possibility of joy. If you’re concerned about your current emotional state, please take the short depression quiz below.

Depression Quiz

Over the last 6 months, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?

1 / 9

Little interest or pleasure in doing things

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression

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A Quick Word About Clinical Depression Versus Depression

According to the Mayo Clinic, major depression or major depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression. If you've ever entered the phrase "clinical depression vs depression" into a search engine while looking for clinical depression treatment, you're basically searching for the same thing. We'll stick with major depressive disorder on this page. Here is a quick guide to some of the other forms of depression:

Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD): MDD is the most common type of depression. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and/or low energy that last for more than two weeks.
Other symptoms of MDD include:
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite
  • Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or helplessness
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a form of depression that appears during certain times of the year, usually during the winter months when there's less natural sunlight. Symptoms include feeling depressed, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite. Treatment typically involves light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder is a long-term form of depression marked by an ongoing feeling of sadness or pessimism that lasts for at least two years. PDD groups together two other depressive disorders, dysthymia (persistent low-grade depression) and chronic major depression.
  • Loss of interest in regular activities
  • Feeling down or hopeless
  • Depressed mood for much of the day, nearly every day
  • Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
  • Low energy and fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or helplessness
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. It's marked by periods of mania (high energy), depression (low energy), and mixed states (a combination of both). People with bipolar disorder often experience difficulty managing their emotions and may have trouble functioning in everyday life. Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth. It affects about 15% of all new mothers and can last for days, weeks, or even months after delivery. Symptoms of this mood disorder include feeling overwhelmed, mood swings, difficulty bonding with the baby, feelings of guilt or inadequacy, anxiety disorders, irritability, lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, exhaustion, problems with sleeping, or appetite changes. Postpartum depression treatment typically involves therapy and/or medication management to help manage symptoms.

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What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Treatment-resistant depression is a type of major depressive disorder that doesn't respond to traditional treatments. It's also known as "refractory depression" or "treatment-refractory depression."

If standard depression treatments, such as medication and/or talk therapy, don't work for you, you may be struggling with treatment-resistant depression. It's estimated that 33% of people diagnosed with depression symptoms are affected by this type of depression. It's important to note that when your doctor diagnoses you with treatment-resistant depression, it doesn't mean you're out of luck. Innovative treatments and therapies are available, although these may require more effort on your part to find a provider.

Depression treatment options for treatment-resistant depression include psychotherapy and emerging techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnetic fields to treat depression. During TMS, an electromagnetic coil is placed near the head and used to stimulate areas of the brain associated with depression. The stimulation has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in people who haven't responded well to other treatments.

It's recommended that you talk to an expert about all available options for treating your depression before deciding on any course of action or treatment plan. Additionally, our depression test can provide insights into your moods, which can help you identify signs and symptoms of depression so you can get help right away if needed.

What is Anxious Depression?

Anxious depression is a type of depression characterized by simultaneous feelings of sadness, worry, and anxiety. People with anxious depression may feel overwhelmed or scared in situations that other people find manageable. They might also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, chest tightness, and heart palpitations.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medication management, therapy, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques to help manage the symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Plus, TMS is also a great choice for treating anxious depression. It's important to seek professional help if you think you're experiencing this type of depression. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to improved outcomes for those living with anxious depression.

Did Our Depression Test Give You Any Insights? The Edge Treatment Center Can Help

If our depression test gave you some insights into how you've been feeling in the past few weeks, Mood disorders are serious mental health issues that can affect anyone. Left untreated, they can disrupt lives, lead to substance abuse, and even be potentially fatal through suicide.

Fortunately, these mood disorders are also treatable. At The Edge Treatment Center, we offer a range of treatments to help people find the relief they need. Our team of mental health professionals is here to walk alongside you on your journey toward feeling better. We provide comprehensive treatment plans that include medication management, psychotherapy, and alternative therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

We understand that mood disorders can make life difficult but don't give up hope. Contact us today for more information about our depression treatment plans and services or to schedule an appointment. Together, we'll work to find the best possible solution for you.

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