The trouble with being low on energy all the time is that it’s easy to write it off as something that just happens. Maybe you’re not sleeping well. Maybe it’s just part of getting older. But maybe you’re battling depression, and you don’t even realize it.
Depression happens to around 5% of adults, although women are usually more likely to have this condition than men. However, it can happen to anyone, and it’s something to take seriously. Because of the risk of self-harm or suicide, depression treatment centers are becoming more and more common.
But before you can get help, you must recognize what’s going on. Is your fatigue and lack of energy part of life, or are you dealing with depression? Let’s look deeper at this topic and find out.
What is Depression?
Depression is characterized by a long period of low moods and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. The official term is ‘depressive disorder,’ and it’s significantly different from your typical mood change.
Moodiness is a normal part of our lives. Factors like hormones, stress, and irritation with work or family members can make us moody. But when it seems like everything is irritating you and you’re always blah about life, you have the symptoms of depression.
Who Can Become Depressed?
Children aren’t usually depressed at young ages, but once you start to recognize the environment around you and its role in your life, you can be at risk for depression. It’s most common in people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or severely stressful events, particularly if they didn’t receive the proper care and counselling afterwards. Depression is also linked to pregnancy and childbirth.
If you’re worried about having a stigma associated with your depression diagnosis, consider these statistics. Depression as a global condition is experienced by nearly 280 million people. You’re not alone. In fact, nearly as many people have depression as there are healthy people!
What Are the Dangers of Depression?
Low energy is a serious problem since it can cause you to stop doing your regular activities and become physically unhealthy. Combined with the symptoms of depression, such as hopelessness, low self-worth, guilt, and appetite changes, your concern isn’t something to ignore.
There are many treatments that are effective against mild, moderate, and severe depression, but many people don’t reach out for help. In many cases, this is due to a lack of affordable or available mental healthcare options. However, it can also stem from fear of being stigmatized.
When Should You Reach Out for Help?
Depressive episodes fluctuate in intensity. If you think you may be battling with depression but aren’t “that bad” yet, that’s still the time to get help. Your next episode could be more than a little of the moody blues, and you might not feel like getting help at that time.
Talk to a trusted family member, friend, or doctor to let them know how you’re feeling, and contact a mental health therapist near you. You may be amazed at the variety of therapies available for depression that work for your needs. The time to reach out is now.
