Grief, sadness and loneliness are part of the human experience and affect us all at different stages of our life. However, depressive symptoms can sometimes become persistant and overwhelming, interfering with your day-to-day functioning. You may feel a sense of emotional ‘stuckness’ or numbness. Perhaps shifts in emotional states may prove difficult or impossible. You may find yourself living in the past, ruminating on regrets and missed opportunities. Depressive symptoms may include any of the following:
- unremitting sadness
- low energy and interest in things you used to enjoy
- difficulties concentrating
- withdrawal from others in your life
- inability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life
- disturbed eating, sleeping and self-regulating
- irritability and restlessness
- thoughts of harming yourself and/or suicidal thoughts/attempts
- feelings of helplessness and/or hopelessness
Depression may be stem from a variety of factors both physical (illness, chemical deficiencies, drugs or alcohol) and/or emotional (chronic sadness, trauma, underlying patterns). Treatment generally requires an holistic approach and incorporates both psychological and medical considerations.