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What Does Depression Feel Like?

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. There are many symptoms and behaviors that classify what a depressive episode may look like. You may experience any to all of the following during a depressive episode:

• Feelings of sadness
• A loss of interest or pleasure from activities that you once enjoyed 
• Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

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What depression feels like, has been described as a dark cloud that is constantly hanging over you. It has been described as a weight on your chest, shoulders, or body. It has been described as a mood shift for no apparent reason –  everything may be going genuinely well in your life, and these symptoms still emerge. You may feel more tired than usual or move more slowly throughout your life than usual. Depression also leads to many negative thinking patterns. Thoughts of yourself, the world around you, and your future may become dark, irrational, or just plain scary. These thoughts can also lead to further isolation from the others, and potentially suicidal thinking.. 

While these symptoms may seem obvious, we may assume that we will be able to spot these behaviors easily in others. This may not always be the case. . Those who are experiencing a depressive episode may be working and communicating well with others; any changes in their mood or behavior may seem subtle or dismissable to others. Regardless, if we do notice our friends and family exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is encouraged to ask them how they are doing. It is never hurtful to ask someone how they are doing; ignoring potential signs of depression can be detrimental to mental and physical health, and yours. 

How Mental Health Support Groups Can Help You

Understanding Mental Health Disorders 

There are different factors which can contribute to mental health, such as biological factors, life experiences or family history of mental illness. While there is no cure for mental health problems, it is possible to treat and recover from them.

Some of the most common types of mental illnesses include the following:

• Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Mood Disorders

Those who experience conditions such as major depression disorder, bipolar disorder, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD) usually have a difficult time regulating their mood. Most communities have depression support groups which can help those suffering relate to others facing similar struggles. 

Anxiety Disorders

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the most common types of mental health disorders are anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a feeling of distress in relation to certain objects or situations, like dangerous or unfamiliar events.

How to Reach Out For Help

Are you committed to treatment but despite the support of your loved ones, experiencing feelings of loneliness? Or do you feel as if no one can relate to you? Forming a connection with someone who has endured similar experiences can help you feel more comfortable throughout your journey. 

Here are 9 benefits of mental health support groups:

• You will realize you are not alone.
• Constant learning of helpful information.
• Improved social skills.
• You will be filled with hope and a positive outlook.
• A reduction of distress.
• Increased self-understanding.
• You get to help others.

How to Cope with Depression Again and Recover from a Relapse

Different Ways of Treating Depression

Treating depression can vary from person to person. It’s important to know that depression, no matter how severe, is treatable. What do you do when a depressive episode hits? Medication, therapy, brain stimulation therapies, and social support are some ways to treat and manage your depression.

Talk therapy is one of the most common forms of treatments for Major Depressive Disorder and other depressive disorders. Learning skills to cope with depression, talking through uncomfortable feelings, and having a supportive person or team can all be beneficial in treating and managing depression and anxiety

If you are fortunate enough to have supportive people in your life, consider checking in with them and leaning on them while you are struggling with depression. Talking with them, sharing your feelings, or asking them for assistance can take some of the physical or emotional burden off of you, so you can focus on coping with depression or anxiety. Recovering from depression relapse can be hard, exhausting, and scary. A combination of methods of treatment can help. And always being kind and compassionate with yourself, as much as you can, will be the most effective way to deal with a mental health relapse.

        

         Exercise and How it Affects Mental Health

Exercise is known to improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and low mood, and can also have a positive impact on self-esteem and cognitive functioning. Aerobic exercise, which include activities such as jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, dancing, etc., can play a role in reducing anxiety and depression. Cardiovascular exercise is shown to improve mental health by increasing blood circulation to the brain.

Distraction from anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns can be incredibly helpful, although it’s best utilized as a temporary skill. When you are engaging in exercise, you have the ability to turn the focus towards your body, your breathing, and any other physical sensations you may be experiencing at that moment. Exercise can serve as a way to ground you back into your body if you experience dissociation or panic related symptoms. In addition, if you are comfortable working out around others, group classes or teaming up with a friend can be a great mental health benefit to exercise. Since isolation is also a large risk factor for diminished mental health, any time you are able to connect with a friend or others in general increases the likelihood of positively impacting your mental health.

Once again, listen to your body to determine what feels helpful and what feels uncomfortable or painful.

 Exercise and physical activity is no exception. So, take some time to explore what movements feel best to you and your body, and see the mental health benefits of exercise.

How to Help Someone with Depression

We all know someone with depression. You may not be aware that they are struggling with depression.

While some of these signs can be indicative of typical mood shifts, for some people it may mean something more serious is going on. If you do notice any of these changes in your friends or family, or an increase from their normal baseline behavior, there are multiple ways to address this in a helpful way.

First, asking questions and engaging in active listening can be a great way to get someone to talk about a potentially difficult topic. Asking directly how someone has been doing, or saying that you have noticed some different behaviors can feel uncomfortable. 

Another specific question to ask is how you can directly support them, or what they are needing. It would not be unusual for someone to say “they don’t know”. In this instance, you can offer up some assistance that you are able to provide for them. Helping them find support if you cannot provide it is also beneficial. 

 If you can learn more about how someone dealing with depression may be thinking, feeling, and functioning, it can feel more intuitive to ask more appropriate questions and offer more helpful support. 

This is very likely not the case. Chances are, some suicidal thoughts have already been there. It is okay to ask if they are having thoughts of suicide and to allow them to share what they are willing to share. If they have active suicidal thoughts, discuss going with them to an emergency department to be evaluated, or reaching out to seek therapy.