Everyone feels down and out sometimes. Some call it the blues, others call it sadness or melancholy. This is a natural and necessary part of the human experience. However, sometimes symptoms of depression are persistent and interfere with daily life. How do we know when occasional melancholy has escalated into more serious depressive symptoms? Here, we’ll examine some common signs and symptoms of depression, as awareness is the first step. We will also discuss some treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms

Sadness, emptiness, or anxiousness are some of the key feelings of depression. When depression is more serious, often called “clinical depression” these feelings are pervasive. They might get slightly better or worse, but they are present most of the time. Other symptoms include helplessness or feelings of being worthless. There’s an air of pessimism and you might have suicidal thoughts or ideations. Some more outward signs include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, lethargy, aches and pains, and a loss of interest in activities. Depression puts a damper on daily life and can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to seek out treatment options.

Traditional and Natural Remedies for Depression

Depression is a relatively common ailment and luckily, there are many treatment options available in a variety of forms. Simple lifestyle changes to help depression include getting more sunlight, increasing magnesium intake, making sure you’re eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest and exercise, and avoiding caffeine. For more serious cases, psychotherapy is a great option. Talking it out with a professional can be an extremely helpful process. Specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used in treating depression. Whatever your approach, it’s best to reach out for help if you’re having persistent depressive feelings. You are not alone.

Tree House Recovery of Portland, Oregon uses cutting-edge techniques in individualized programs to help men achieve freedom from addiction. Taking a holistic, sustainable approach to the inner and outer effects of addiction ensures you or your loved one will emerge with the confidence and skills to manage your addiction independently. No one is beyond help- our Admissions Counselors are available 24/7 at (503) 850-2474