Common Signs of Clinical Depression

Feeling sad is a normal emotion. Sadness is part of the range of emotions God gave us to help us mourn for something lost, be it a loved one, a relationship, or a dream. Unfortunately, sadness can turn into depression. Clinical depression is a diagnosable mental condition. If you experience the signs of clinical depression for more than two weeks, you may need treatment through a mental health professional.

Depression can be classified into three categories: mild, moderate, or severe. Clinical depression is the severe form, also referred to as major depression. Although the signs of clinical depression can appear similar to the symptoms of mild or moderate depression, if your depression lasts more than two weeks and interferes with your daily life, seek professional help.

Clinical depression is treatable. Counseling seeks to approach depression from all aspects, including getting to the root of your depression, analyzing thoughts and behaviors, and creating new thought patterns and behavioral changes. Your counselor will customize a plan just for you.

Signs of clinical depression to look out for

The following is a list of the common signs of clinical depression.

Feeling persistent sadness

The persistent sadness from depression has been described by others as a dark cloud that they cannot seem to escape from. Even on joyous occasions, somewhere in the back of their minds, that dark cloud is present. The sadness may be legitimate due to the loss of a loved one or other grief.

Expressing irritability and mood swings

Irritability and mood swings may intensify with depression. Whether someone is more aggravated than average is based on personality, environmental factors, and genetics. Anger management may be needed during depression treatment.

Losing interest in favorite activities

Another hallmark of clinical depression is a loss of interest in the hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed. You might not get the same level of pleasure from an activity or would rather sleep or lay on the couch than engage in your favorite hobby.

Feeling guilt or shame

Although you may not be responsible for an event or situation, you may feel a sense of guilt, shame, or hopelessness. Even if there is no reason for you to feel these emotions, they are noticeably present and can make you feel alone. The truth is you are not alone. Depression affects millions annually, and the treatments are widely available and accepted.

Unable to concentrate

Depression affects cognitive function, short-term memory, decision-making, and the ability to concentrate. This lack of focus can lead to anxiety and more worry if you cannot get your work done or your family depends on you to make major decisions.

Rapidly changing weight

Rapidly changing weight due to appetite changes can increase depression as noticeable weight changes can lead to poor body image, low self-esteem, and lack of confidence. Rapid weight changes can also signal a physical condition, so speak to your primary care physician to rule out any medical problems.

Struggling with sleep issues

Insomnia and problems staying asleep are common issues with depression. Fatigue throughout the day that leaves you with a bone-weariness feeling can feed the persistent sadness. You may have a hard time controlling your emotions while sleep deprived.

Dealing with suicidal thoughts

Negative thoughts feed depression and can lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Your thoughts, emotions, and behavior are linked in a cyclical pattern. Counseling seeks to break the current pattern by replacing negative thoughts with helpful ones and working toward behavioral change.

Clinical depression can lead to self-harm, impulsive behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. If depression makes you feel that life is hopeless or that you are worthless, please reach out for help. God created you for a purpose, and these feelings are fleeting. Those thoughts and beliefs about yourself are not true. They likely stem from something in your past or something someone has said to you.

Treatment for clinical depression

Clinical depression used to carry a stigma, and people went years before seeking treatment (if ever). Treatment for clinical depression is now widely accepted. The most common treatments include talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and behavioral therapy.

Christian counseling for depression

If you suspect you have clinical depression, reach out to our office to schedule a session with a Christian counselor in Redding, California. Your counselor will customize a care plan and guide you through treatment with regular check-ins. You will learn skills and evidence-based methods to change your mindset and behavior.

Call us at Redding Christian Counseling or complete the online form to get started today.