Emotional and Mental
Identifying Depression
Published: Sept. 20, 2024
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression strikes over 17 million people every year. In 2021, an estimated 14.5 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year. This number represented 5.7% of all U.S. adults. Yet depression is still misunderstood and often goes untreated. For those suffering from depression, the key to restored health and happiness lies in understanding and treating the illness.
Commons Causes
- Divorce
- Job Loss
- Death or Grief
However, sometimes depression occurs even when life is going well like family history and existing medical conditions. Both can bring about depression.
Signs and Symptoms
Sadness is only one part of depression. The nine symptoms listed here are often used to diagnose depression. If you have experienced most or all of the following symptoms for two weeks or more, you may be suffering from depression.
- Feeling sad, tearful or empty
- Little interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Change in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Restlessness or decreased activity
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Change in sleep patterns
- Thoughts of death or suicide
These symptoms can make it hard to think, work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. If a couple of symptoms happen once in awhile, that can be normal. But if you’re experiencing symptoms over a longer period of time, that’s a sign you may need to seek help.
Getting Help
Depression symptoms interfere with day-to-day functioning and may cause significant distress. If you feel you may be suffering from depression, don't wait. The strain of depression can negatively impact both your physical and mental health.
Depression is treatable and a variety of options are available. A Best Care EAP counselor can help you determine what is best for you and your family.
Reach out to Best Care EAP today by scheduling your confidential appointment. Get started by filling out the Counseling Registration Form. If you have issues with the form, please call our office at (402) 354-8000 or (800) 801-4182 and we'll be glad to help.