From time to time, everyone feels sad or hopeless from time to time. However, there may come a time when you wonder if you should seek help for depression. A good rule of thumb is that if your feelings of sadness or hopelessness last for over two weeks, you may need to contact a depression treatment expert. You should also consider seeking help if you are battling both depression and addiction. Seeking mental health treatment should also be a top priority if you or a loved one is considering suicide or has attempted to take their own life. In such cases, reach out to a treatment specialist immediately by going to your local emergency room. There is no time to waste.
At Crossroads Maine, we provide treatment for depression and addiction. In celebration of National Suicide Prevention Week, we want to take some time to go over the signs that you need to get help for depression. Contact Crossroads Maine today at 877.978.1667 to enter our women’s mental health treatment program.
What is Depression?
When people feel sad or down, they often say that they’re depressed. However, if that feeling doesn’t go away and has no clear cause, you may actually be struggling with a mental health condition. Depression changes the way you think, feel, and react to life’s daily struggles. It can impact your ability to function on a day to day basis, making it challenging to get through the day.
Some people describe depression as feeling lifeless, empty, or apathetic. Other people describe feelings of anger, restlessness, or impending doom. If you do not seek depression treatment, it can lead to serious impacts on your health.
There is a range of symptoms of depression, including:
- A bleak outlook on life and feeling like nothing will improve in your life
- Losing interest in life’s daily activities, including your former hobbies and social activities
- Significant changes in your weight, meaning that you have either gained or lost more than 5% of your body weight
- Experiencing either extreme insomnia or oversleeping
- Being restless, agitated or violent
- Feeling fatigued and physically drained, so that even small tasks exhaust you
- Feelings of shame, worthlessness, or guilt
- Engaging in reckless behavior, causing you to drive dangerously or to abuse drugs or alcohol
- Problems concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- An increase of unexplainable aches and pains in your head, back, muscles, or stomach
If you’ve been experiencing several of these symptoms for over two weeks, it may be time to seek treatment.
Depression and the Risk of Suicide
If a person is battling depression, they may be at risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. The person may feel like the hopelessness and despair they’re feeling will only go away if they are dead. It’s vital to watch for any signs that your loved one may be dealing with thoughts of suicide, and, if you see the signs, take action immediately.
One of the best ways to celebrate National Suicide Prevention Week is to learn the signs of suicidal thoughts or actions. There are many ways that a person may reveal suicidal thoughts. The person may talk about killing or hurting themselves, or express feelings of being trapped or hopeless. In addition, the person may be unusually preoccupied with death and act recklessly. You should also encourage your friend to get help if they suddenly start calling people to say goodbye or begin giving away prized possessions. These are the actions of a person who could be contemplating taking their life. If you begin to see the warning signs, take action immediately. Doing so can save a life.
Get Depression Treatment at Crossroads Maine
If celebrating National Suicide Prevention Week has made you realize that someone in your life is at risk, we want to help. At Crossroads Maine, we’re proud to provide treatment for women battling depression and addiction. At our residential treatment center, we offer a range of treatment options, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
You don’t have to suffer from mental illness alone. Let our kind and compassionate team members come alongside you to support you and guide you to recovery. At Crossroads Maine, we provide help for depression and other mental health conditions. Contact us today at 877.978.1667 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs.
