True or false? If you’re able to get out of bed each morning and make it into work, you can’t be that depressed. 

If you guessed false, you’re correct.

Depression can begin like a fog or accumulation of clouds, gathering over time. It can look different depending on the individual experiencing it. Some people hide it extremely well; you’d never guess how much they’re suffering. Others feel as though all the life is sucked out of them, their stomach a churning pit of anxiety and unease.

Yes, it’s normal to experience ups and downs from time to time. However, if you’ve been feeling an unrelenting low for two weeks or more, it could indicate depression is starting to take hold.

Signs You Could Be Depressed 

Now before we get into some of the signs of depression, it’s important to note that if life is feeling exceedingly difficult, stressful, and overwhelming, seek help. Whether you’re “officially” clinically depressed or not, therapy is a great way to take stock and gain clarity and perspective. Ultimately, life is too precious to compromise your wellbeing, or spend prioritizing other things when you’re having a hard time just getting through the day. 

If you’re facing some of the symptoms listed here and are looking for a therapist in Northern California, feel free to give us a call. We offer treatment for anxiety, depression and more.

All You Want is Sleep

Ahh, sleep. A common symptom of our time is that many of us simply don’t get enough. But if you find yourself sleeping the weekends away, unable to get out of bed, you may be burnt out or depressed. If it persists, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your doctor, and make an appointment with a therapist.

You’re Having Trouble Falling Asleep

For some, the opposite is true. All they want is sleep, yet night after night they lie awake, unable to quiet the mind and drift off. Chronic insomnia is a sign of depression, and it adversely impacts the time you’re awake – you drift through the day in a hazy exhausted state. 

If you’re troubled by insomnia for an extended period of time, it’s a good indication you could benefit from seeing a therapist. 

Your Weight Has Changed Dramatically

Depression affects people’s appetites differently. Some seek comfort in food, while others lose their appetite completely. If there’s been a sudden pronounced unintentional change in your weight, it could indicate you’re depressed. Take stock of how you’re feeling overall. If you’re not excited about life, you’ll gain a lot from speaking with a therapist.

You Feel… Nothing

Do you feel like you’re merely existing, suffering through your workday and then vegging out in front of the TV? Are you totally checked out and disengaged from everything and everyone – including yourself? If so, it’s highly probable you’re depressed. 

Seeing a therapist regularly will help you find meaning and joy in life again.

You’re Drinking More

If your whole day leads up to that glass of wine you allow yourself when you get home from work – and you find yourself liberally refilling it as the night wears on – please note that this can become problematic. 

While a drink or two every now and again isn’t that big a deal, routinely trying to numb yourself after a busy (or boring) day is. Alcohol makes the edges of our feelings a little smoother, but feelings exist to tell us something. Numbing out is a way to escape, and the longer you escape, the more you evade what’s really going on. 

A therapist can help you get to the bottom of what’s driving the need to escape and work with you to establish healthier ways to cope.

You Live in Fantasy

Many people use fantasy to escape the doldrums of reality. Perhaps it’s an elaborate romance you’ve whipped up in your head that involves you and a married coworker. Or another scenario that has no basis in reality – something you ruminate over again and again. 

While not innately harmful, living much of the day in a self-centered fantasy pulls you from the present moment, and your brain could be remaining in fantasy because your reality has become routine and unfulfilling. 

You No Longer Care About the Things You Used to Love

This is a big indication that something is wrong. If you loved hiking but now it doesn’t get you excited, or if you used to play music but can’t be bothered anymore because – you’re not sure, you just don’t care – this detachment from passion and life could be because you’re depressed.

As mentioned, depression exists on a spectrum. How do you know when it’s time to get help? You know when your life is adversely impacted. When you feel miserable, or empty, or completely detached. You know when you’re starting to isolate. When you feel numb and disconnected.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, between 80 to 90 percent of people eventually respond well to depression treatment. That’s huge!

At the Relationship Therapy Center, we understand how hard depression can be, and are here to lend a helping hand. All you have to do to get started is give us a call or text. Our goal is the same as yours: to get you back to being you.

Begin Depression Treatment in the Sacramento Area:

If you are struggling with depression, you may not be able to see the li

ght at the end of the tunnel. But, With treatment for depression, you can find enthusiasm, hope, and joy again. You don’t just have to cope with depression but you can overcome depression. To begin counseling in Fair Oaks, CA, Roseville, CA, or online therapy in California, please follow these steps:

• Reach out to the Relationship Therapy Center to contact us to schedule an appointment and to learn more about depression treatment,
• Meet with one of our therapists
• Begin depression treatment and find the joy in your life again!

Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:

In addition to depression treatment, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.