Skip to main content
mayologo1
  • Patient Online Services
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Adams
      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Janesville
      • Kenyon
      • Lake City
      • Le Sueur
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • New Richland
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah
      • Lake Mills

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    • COVID-19
    Posted By
    Daniel Lynch, L.P.C.

    Daniel Lynch, L.P.C.

    Psychiatry & Psychology

    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Thursday, October 7, 2021

    Could you be depressed?

    Topics in this Post
    • Depression
    • Resiliency
    • Behavioral Health
    • Balance your mental and emotional health
    • Suicide Prevention
    Looking out window

    Although we all experience grief and sadness, depression can be much more than that. An estimated 10% percent of the U.S. population suffers from some type of depression, so know that you aren't alone.

    More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. There are ways to cope and manage if you feel that depression is taking over your life.

    Signs of depression

    Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes.

    During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:

    • Constant negative thoughts
    • Feeling of hopelessness, emptiness, sadness or tearfulness
    • Feeling tired or having less energy
    • Low mood
    • Overly self-critical or low self-regard
    • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
    • Withdrawing from friends, relatives or work
    • Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities
    • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
    • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions or remembering things

    For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

    Prevention

    There's no sure way to prevent depression but these strategies may help:

    • Eat nutritious foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables
    • Exercise every day for at least 20–30 minutes
    • Get 7–8 hours of sleep each night
    • Keep thoughts balanced and positive
    • Take a Vitamin D daily supplement
    • Take steps to control stress
    • Reach out to family and friends, especially during times of crisis

    Treatment

    Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.

    If you have severe depression, you may need a hospital stay, or you may need to participate in an outpatient treatment program until your symptoms improve.

    If you are thinking about self-harm or suicide, seek professional help immediately.

    There are resources available for you, such as calling or texting 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or calling 911.

    Depression is nothing to be ashamed of and is treatable. Talk with your health care provider or a mental health professional if you are concerned you may be depressed. The nonprofit organization Mental Health America also offers a free, confidential online depression screening.

    For more information about depression and tips to help you feel more like yourself, watch this video:

    Dan Lynch is a licensed professional counselor in Psychiatry & Psychology in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Depression
    • Resiliency
    • Behavioral Health
    • Balance your mental and emotional health
    • Suicide Prevention

    Related Posts

    College student wearing glasses and backpack College students and depression: A guide for parents
    Two people hugging, resting head on shoulder, arm around neck Supporting a loved one experiencing depression
    Blog_cutting Help! I think my teenager is cutting

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Home
    © 2018 - 2023 Mayo Clinic Health System