Navigating Tough Days and Understanding Depression

We all have days when life feels harder than usual. Typically, we can overcome these feelings by seeking support from loved ones, taking it easy, and getting enough rest. However, when these emotions persist, it can feel like an uphill battle to even get out of bed in the morning. Depression is an experience that goes beyond sadness – it is all-encompassing, persistent, and can have a detrimental effect on your overall quality of life.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistently low mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. Depression is a common and serious mental illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. We help clients who suffer from mild to severe depression and SAD, which is Seasonal Affective Disorder and is identified as seasonal depression.

Some of the symptoms of depression include:

• Continuous low mood or feelings of sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Low self-esteem
• Tearfulness
• Guilt
• Irritability and intolerance
• Lack of motivation or interest in things
• Difficulty making decisions

A serious sign of depression is suicidal ideation. If you are at risk of harming yourself, please call 988 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255