Untreated clinical depression is a serious health problem. Depression can increases the chances of developing other problems such as anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse and health concerns. Problems may also include adding stress in relationships, causing problems at work, and having less energy to care for physical health.

Clinical depression or major depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Struggling with depression affects a person’s sense of worth and how he/she views others. Depression can place a dark cloud of negativity and influence thoughts. Thoughts often become darker, more serious and are focused on the disappointing aspect of life.

People struggling with depression cannot simply “pull themselves together” and snap out of depression. Effective treatment for depression usually includes antidepressants, movement and physical activity, behavioral activation and life planning, and therapy with a counselor in Fargo-Moorhead. Those who attempt to “self-treat” depression recover a much slower pace and are susceptible to recurrent depression.

There is also growing evidence that clinical depression takes a considerable toll on physical wellness. A healthy, functioning body depends on a healthy mind.

One of the most revealing symptoms of depression is seen in sleep patterns. Though the most common problem difficulty getting adequate sleep, people feel an increased need for sleep and experience excessive energy loss. This can result in extreme tiredness, loss of energy, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Other symptoms of clinical depression include:

• Feelings of sadness
• Irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
• Reduced sex drive
• Changes in appetite
• Agitation or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Indecisiveness, distractibility and decreased concentration
• Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt about the past
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
• Crying spells for no apparent reason
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Depression symptoms can feel so awful that it is obvious something is not right. Or, symptoms can present as more subtle and a person may feel detached or unhappy without really understanding why.  Depression affects each person in different ways and symptoms vary from person to person.