5 signs that it may be time to seek help for your depression

April 12, 2023 Guest User

Please note: our blog posts are solely informational and are not meant to replace individualized therapeutic advice or healthcare.

Depression is a serious mental health condition and leading cause of disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5% of the world’s population suffers from depression. Because many individuals who suffer from depression do so in silence without seeking treatment, it is likely that the prevalence of depression is actually much higher than reported due to underdiagnosis. If you are struggling with depression, it is important to know when to seek help because you do not need to suffer alone. There are many evidence-based treatments available (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness, medication, etc.) that have been shown to effectively reduce depression symptoms and promote recovery. In this blog post, we will explore five common signs that suggest it may be time to seek professional help for your depression.

#1: Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

The most common sign that it may be time to seek help for your depression is persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that do not improve over time. Although some degree of sadness and hopelessness is experienced by everyone at various points in their lives, when these feelings become pervasive, persistent, or unmanageable, do not be afraid to seek help. If you are unsure about how these feelings may be impacting your life, keep a daily journal of their presence, severity, and impacts. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks without improvement, it may be time to consider seeking help.

#2: Loss of interest or pleasure

A loss of interest or pleasure in things that you previously enjoyed – also known as anhedonia – is a common sign that it may be time to seek help for your depression. This can include a loss of interest in spending time with loved ones, engaging in your hobbies, enjoying food, or being social. You may also feel as though you are detached from your environment and peering through the window of your own life, rather than actively participating in it. Over time, these feelings can lead to decreased motivation and difficulties with daily function.

#3: Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

Changes to your appetite or sleep patterns may be an indication that it is time to seek help for your depression. You may be experiencing significant and unintentional weight gain or loss. Perhaps you are finding yourself either overeating or under-eating on a regular basis. You may also be having difficulty falling sleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much. This may lead you to feel chronically fatigued, restless, or agitated throughout the day. If any of these issues are persistent and interfere with your daily functioning, therapy can be very helpful.

#4: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or completing tasks

If you find that you are easily distracted and unable to focus on daily life tasks, this may be a sign of depression. Perhaps you are struggling to focus on work or school tasks and this is leading to poor performance. Perhaps you are unable to make decisions that were previously easy to make. You may be experiencing brain fog or difficulty following through on commitments. If these symptoms persist and interfere with your daily life, it may be time to seek help.

#5: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is essential that you seek professional help immediately. These thoughts can be a sign of severe depression and require urgent intervention. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out to a mental health professional or a 24-hour crisis hotline such as COAST Hamilton (905.972.8338), Kids Help Phone (1.800.668.6868), or Barrett Centre (905.529.7878). You do not need to suffer alone. Help is available.

If you are considering therapy for help with depression, you can contact us with questions or book a FREE consultation. We’ll get to know you and your needs in therapy and then pair you with the right therapist on our team.