Overview of Depression

Major Depressive Disorder affects over 16 million American adults every year, but under half of those affected receive treatment. Jordan Gendelman, Ph.D., is dedicated to providing mental health services to those who actively seek help and educating others on the impact of mental health issues around the world.Because of the far-reaching impact of mental illness, it’s important to understand the signs and get help as soon as possible. If you’re worried about your mental health, or a friend’s, check for some of these signs before seeking help:

You’re overwhelmingly tired.
Maybe you’re sleeping a normal amount, but you still find it incredibly taxing to perform basic daily tasks. It feels like it requires immense amount of energy to complete simple daily functions like washing the dishes, talking on the phone, or folding a load of laundry.

The interests you used to have no longer appeal to you.
When we talk about losing interest in your passions, we aren’t referring to the natural human tendency to switch hobbits but the utter lack of interest in doing anything really. People that suffer from depression find it hard to care about work let alone side projects that make them a more well-rounded individual.

Your habits are changing.
Symptoms like sleeping too little or too much can be common in people that don’t suffer from depression, but if there is a large change in your sleeping habits, it can be an indication that something is wrong upstairs. Likewise, if you’ve suddenly started eating a lot more than normal or lost interest in making dinner, you might be suffering from depression. A key element to keep in mind when analyzing your sleeping or eating patterns is to note a change. If you’ve always slept less than the average Joe, don’t worry about your continued pattern. A change from sleeping very little to sleeping the day away is what should throw up a red flag.

You’re spending a lot of time alone.
It’s easy to hide behind a closed door from friends and family, but an increase in spending time alone (if you didn’t do it before) is another sign of mental illness. Spending an increased amount of time in solitude can also affect depression in extroverts since their energy is derived from quality time with friends and family.

You’re lacking emotion.
More often than not, we associate depression with unhappiness, but sometimes it can be the true absence of feeling. Depression can also manifest itself in a form of apathy, feeling empty and unable to express affection or emotion.

Depression is a very serious mental health issue that many people face every day. Jordan Gendelman, Ph.D., is dedicated to providing help to those who are willing to seek it. If you are worried about yourself or others, reach out to Jordan Gendelman, Ph.D. today for a consultation.