If you are worried you or someone you love may have clinical depression, there are signs that can help you identify the symptoms. Depression may look different from person to person, and there are several physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms indicating there may be a problem.
Keep in mind, it’s always best to seek the services of a qualified licensed therapist at the first signs of clinical depression. Or, if the individual is having thoughts of harming self or others, seek immediate professional help.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common symptoms of clinical depression:
Physical Symptoms of Clinical Depression
- Changes in eating and appetite—eating too little or too much.
- Changes in sleeping habits—experiencing difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue, no matter how much the person sleeps
- Slower speech or movements
- Aches and pains with no apparent cause
Emotional Symptoms of Clinical Depression
- Continual feelings of worry, sadness, shame, or guilt
- Restlessness
- Hopelessness
- Low or no motivation
- Lack of joy and pleasure from activities usually enjoyed
- Feelings of emptiness or emotional numbness
- Ruminating thoughts—continually thinking thoughts that bring anxiety, guilt, and shame.
Behavioral Symptoms of Clinical Depression
- Crying for no apparent reason or for reasons that would not usually bring sadness
- Missing or skipping important life events
- Unusually poor performance at school or work
- Neglecting personal hygiene and self-care
- Engaging in self-harming behaviors like cutting
- Attempting to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs
Seeking Treatment for Clinical Depression
Clinical depression tends to be disruptive on several different levels, and each person responds to treatment differently. Prescription medication, such as antidepressants, along with behavioral therapy, tend to provide the best results for someone suffering from depression.
With the right treatment, an individual can achieve a full recovery from depression. However, without treatment, it can be challenging to overcome the disease. No matter how long you\’ve lived with depression, there\’s hope for your situation.
Turn to Positive Living Psychotherapy for Help
If you are ready to seek help for clinical depression, the highly experienced team at Positive Living Psychotherapy is here. At our Alpharetta counseling office, you will find a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can learn the tools to recover from depression. Dr. Maureen Keown and her compassionate team of therapists have helped countless clients enhance their lives and experience lasting peace and joy again.
It may seem hard to believe right now, but with professional help, you can transform your life, improve relationships, and find relief from the debilitating symptoms of depression. You deserve a joyful life, and we are here to guide you to a place of healing and recovery.
Connect with Positive Living Psychotherapy now to learn more about how to identify clinical depression symptoms or to schedule a free phone consultation.