Depression Raleigh: Where to Find Help

Sadness Vs. Depression

If you’re struggling with depression, you’ll notice that your feelings go beyond general sadness. Depression can be characterized by many feelings that aren’t found in sadness, such as a lack of interest in daily life.

Depression is an umbrella term for several different types of mental health disorders that deal with mood. The most common type of depression is major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. It also includes disorders such as persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

Depression Statistics

If you find yourself searching “depression Raleigh,” know that there are many other people also looking for these answers. Depression in Raleigh is not uncommon. According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the most common mental disorders, along with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Each year, millions of people throughout the world struggle with depression. In 2020, the National Institute of Mental Health released a study that showed an estimated 21 million adults over the age of 18 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. As a result, as one of the most densely populated cities in the state, “depression Raleigh” is a common search.

Symptoms Of Depression

Depression can come in many different forms. There are various types of depression, and individuals may experience the disorder in different ways. As a result, it can be difficult to compile a complete list of symptoms. There are dozens of symptoms that can be experienced with depression, and not all of them will be present in each and every case.

For instance, bipolar disorder is characterized by manic highs and depressive lows. However, seasonal affective disorder, another type of depression, is not. As a result, when someone searches for “depression Raleigh,” they may not be looking for the same information as someone else.

Understanding The Scope Of Depression

While it can be difficult to know every symptom associated with depression without knowing the exact disorder, there are several symptoms common in every type. Oftentimes, these symptoms are what lead to seeking a diagnosis or learning more about depression, as they are some of the most notable information related to “depression Raleigh.”

Emotional Symptoms

Emotional symptoms are those that impact how you think and feel. When you’re searching up “depression Raleigh,” you will find a common list of symptoms.

Some symptoms you may experience if you have depression include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Excessive guilt
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Thoughts of death or dying

Behavioral Symptoms

Emotions and thought processes play a large role in how you behave. As a result, depression can have an impact on behavior.

Some of the behavioral symptoms of depression include:

• Suicide attempts
• Frequent crying or tearfulness
• Increased irritability or agitation
• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping

Physical Symptoms

Because depression is a mental health disorder, it is easy to assume that all the symptoms are strictly associated with emotions and the mind. However, depression can impact every part of life, including your physical health.

Some of the physical symptoms of depression include:

• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Nausea

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

After spending some time learning more about the answers that a search for “depression Raleigh” yields, you may find that you or your loved one relates to the signs and symptoms.

Steps Toward Diagnosis And Healing

When you are learning more about dealing with the symptoms of depression, one of the first steps is to learn more about a diagnosis. Like other types of mental health disorders, there is no single test or method to decide whether or not you have depression. Instead, your doctor may utilize a variety of different tools and sources.

First, your healthcare provider will complete a thorough medical exam to make sure there is no other condition or complication that could be causing your symptoms, such as a vitamin deficiency. They will also take a look at your personal and family history for other instances of depression. A depression screening or test is also useful in helping a doctor understand your symptoms.

Treatments For Depression Raleigh Residents Can Rely On

When you’re looking for treatment for depression, you’ll find that there are several different options available. These types of depression treatment can be divided into two main categories: holistic or all-natural treatments and professional or medical treatments.

Holistic Treatment

Holistic methods are all-natural treatments that approach depression by looking at both the mind and body. They can be beneficial alone or in combination with medical treatments.
Typically, holistic methods of treating depression are geared towards creating a calm mindset while boosting natural chemicals such as endorphins that create positive feelings. This includes yoga, meditation, walking, and additional forms of exercise.

Medical Treatment

Medical methods of treatment can come in various forms. They’re all conducted under the guidance of a healthcare professional. From therapy to medication, professional treatment for depression can be versatile and create an individualized approach to depression. Some of the most common professional treatments for depression include psychiatry, psychotherapy, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Although professional treatments for depression are often set apart from holistic methods of treatment, there can be chemical-free professional treatments. Medication-assisted therapy is only one form of treatment available. Psychotherapy, for instance, is focused solely on conversation and talking to better understand thoughts and emotions.

Steps To Take When Facing Depression

Sometimes, searching for “depression Raleigh” isn’t enough to get you the resources you need.

If you find yourself struggling with depression and looking for treatment for depression in Raleigh, there are steps you can take to make coping easier.

Important Initial Steps Toward Wellness And Recovery

The first step is to stay connected with friends and loved ones. Depression can lead to isolation, which only serves to further worsen symptoms. While it is okay and expected to step back and take time to focus on recovery, ensure that you’re maintaining relationships with your support system.

You’ll also want to take advantage of the holistic options you have available to you. Engaging in exercise and activities you love can be difficult. However, studies show that seeking out these opportunities can work to generate helpful chemicals in the brain, which in turn can improve your mood.

Other options include:

• Setting and celebrating goals
• Improving negative thinking
• Reaching out to healthcare providers for resources