Situational Depression
It is common for people to experience some depression symptoms due to significant events in their lives such as the loss of a loved one, financial stress, or relationship stress.
Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.
Many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder earlier in life. There is no evidence one disorder causes the other, but there is clear evidence that many people suffer from both disorders. *
Depression
According to the CDC, in May 2020, 24% of American adults have symptoms of depressive disorder, whereas in June 2019, that number was at 6.6%
Over 11 million U.S. adults have experienced a depressive episode that resulted in severe impairment in the past year. Depression is a common and serious medical condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. It may cause you to feel helpless, hopeless, or even worthless. Feeling this way for a period of time after a significant life change or grieving is extremely normal. However, when it continues for extended periods of time, and the symptoms of depressed mood and loss of interest in things you normally enjoyed are present, it may be time to get help. Experiencing depression can keep you from living life to the fullest, so therapy can help you develop skills to help cope and address underlying issues that are contributing to your symptoms.
In therapy at Care Counseling, you may work on addressing negative thoughts, learning new coping skills for depressive symptoms, and increasing acceptance for yourself and your experiences.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Dangerous or self-harming behavior, including reckless behavior and increased substance use
Changes in attitude or appearance
Making preparations, such as looking up ways to hurt themselves
Giving away personal items
Talking about suicide in person or on social media
Talking about wanting to die or “just not be around anymore”
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain
Talking about feeling like they are a burden to others
Additional Resources
Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Call **CRISIS** (271-747)
Text MN to 741-741
Websites
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Erika’s Lighthouse (Teen Depression)
COMMON SYMPTOMS
DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN ELDER CARE
- Neglecting personal care
- Memory problems
- Unexplained aches and pains
DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENCE
- Children 5 and under: Trouble with eating or sleeping, tantrums, tearfulness, tantrums
- Children 5 and up: Irritability and tantrums, low frustration tolerance, trouble with eating or sleeping, tearfulness
- Teens: Irritability, social withdrawal from peers or activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite or eating patterns, low self-esteem, having thoughts of death or of hurting oneself
Common across ages for children and teens: fatigue, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy
Common Depression Diagnoses
Major Depressive Episode
This type of depression is characterized by experiencing depression symptoms more days than not during the same two weeks. Major Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe
Seasonal Pattern Disorder…AKA Season Affective Disorder
This type of recurrent depression is experienced in the fall or winter months.
Peripartum or Postpartum
Peripartum depression begins during pregnancy and can continue into postpartum
Postpartum starts after baby arrives…usually within four weeks of delivery
