I’m Secretly Depressed: What Should I Do?

Your mood has been low lately. It’s been at least two weeks, though it’s possibly been a lot longer than that. You don’t remember the last time you truly felt happy. Even the little things that usually bring you joy don’t anymore.

Depression is extremely common, though you may have gotten good at hiding it. But you’re not alone: an estimated 7.1% of American adults experience major depressive disorder in any given year. The providers at 2nd Chance Treatment Center explain more about depression and what you can do about it.

Who’s more likely to get depression

Anyone can get depression. It doesn’t discriminate based on how much money you make, how much education you have, or where you live. However, women are twice as likely as men to become depressed, with the incidence increasing during ages 25-44. 

The female hormonal cycle is thought to be to blame since depression increases during the menstrual period and after giving birth.

Genetics are also a significant contributing factor; if one twin has depression, the second twin has a 70% chance of developing it as well.

In addition, environmental factors play a significant role in depression, especially if you grew up in poverty or in a violent atmosphere.

Finally, depression is strongly linked with other mental illnesses, including substance abuse and eating disorders. Over 20% of Americans who have substance abuse also have depression, and vice versa. Having depression is also associated with a greater risk of physical illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. However, it’s unclear if depression is the cause or the effect.

The symptoms of depression

How do you know if you’re depressed? You might have depression if you experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or anxiousness
• Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness
• Irritability or angry outbursts; you sweat the small stuff
• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or guilt
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Decreased energy or motivation
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes to your sleep, such as insomnia or sleeping too much
• Appetite changes, including decreased or increased appetite
• Aches or pains, even without a clear cause
• Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself

You may not have all these symptoms. Even having a couple is often enough to diagnose you with depression.

How depression is treated

Even though depression is the leading cause of disability around the world, it’s treatable. The worst thing you can do is suffer alone in silence, believing you just have to deal with it. 

The first thing we do when you come in for a consultation is perform a thorough physical and mental evaluation. We need to know what’s going on with you before we make any treatment plan.

Your treatments may include some combination of talk therapy and medication. You also learn techniques to manage your depression. As you gain skills, you’ll likely gain greater confidence and more self-esteem.

If you’ve been feeling lower than low lately, schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. There’s life beyond depression, and you deserve to feel happy. Call us at any of our locations, or schedule an appointment online.