Depression among adults is increasingly common in the United States, with over 21 million adults experiencing a major depressive episode and millions more having less severe symptoms. This presents a serious hurdle to public health, and it threatens lives across the country. To know if you or a loved one should seek depression treatment, you need to know how to recognize the signs. This brief guide outlines some of the most important information to have in this scenario. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

The symptoms of depression vary greatly depending on its severity and its type, but the condition is generally categorized by a low mood and feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, fatigue, and pessimism that persist over time. These feelings can be accompanied by suicidal ideation, sleep issues, and a change in appetite. Patients may also experience a loss of pleasure in favorite activities, including hobbies, friendships, and sex.

This list of symptoms is nowhere near exhaustive, and depression is usually characterized by a combination of these symptoms experienced chronically or for extended periods. If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal tendencies, seek help immediately and look into depression treatment options.

What Are the Types of Depression?

Depression comes in many flavors, each of which manifests slightly differently. Patients may experience postpartum or perinatal depression after giving birth; persistent depression, or dysthymia, over the course of months or years; major depression, which includes constant symptoms over the course of a couple of weeks; and seasonal affective disorder, during which the changing of seasons may bring on depressive episodes. 

When Should Someone Seek Help?

The sooner someone gets help for their condition, the sooner they can address its root causes and begin depression treatment. If you have been in a depressive episode for more than a couple of days, or if any of the above types of depression feel familiar to you, contact your doctor and ask about treatment options.

If you're experiencing a depressive episode and need help, reach out to Ohm Mental Health in Lewiston, ID. These depression treatment experts have experience in many different methods of handling and treating depression in adults. Learn more about their services online, and call (208) 717-4823 to schedule a consultation with a licensed professional.