Depression sucks!
It often sneaks up on us. It impacts our relationships, our view of ourselves, and our goals. It takes our motivation and energy, and often leaves us feeling depleted and tired. Seeking help for depression can take effort, but the fact that you’re on this page right now is a good sign.
Depression can be a quite common diagnosis. It’s estimated that over 300 million worldwide suffer from depressive symptoms. Many are not aware they have depression and less than half seek treatment. This is often due to the continued stigma around depression. “Just change your attitude.” “Get out of the house and do something.” “What do you have to be depressed about?” While most people are well meaning, none of this advice is especially helpful and doesn’t address some of the roots of depression.
Symptoms of depression
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Isolation
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless.
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
Poor appetite or overeating.
Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down.
Trouble concentrating on things
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people have noticed.
Being so fidgety or restless that you’ve been moving around more than usual.
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself.
Suicidal Thoughts
While 60% of people at some time will experience brief thoughts about not waking up or of suicide, if you are having more intense thoughts of hurting yourself or taking steps toward suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255), call 988, present to any ER, or if you are in West Michigan, present to the Pine Rest Urgent Care (300 68th Street Southeast Bldg E, Entrance E1, Grand Rapids, MI 49548).
There is hope through depression.
Oftentimes a trained professional can help you gain a different perspective that can help you get unstuck. At Whole Self Counseling, we can help you explore new behaviors and ways of thinking that make you more resilient to depression. In some cases, it can also be helpful to address any events or experiences that are behind the depression. If you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment, click the button below.