Do I Have Symptoms of Depression? Questions to Ask Yourself

Depression can creep in subtly, making it sometimes hard to recognize. If you’re wondering whether you might be experiencing depression, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you feel persistently sad, low or empty, nearly every day?

• Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, socializing, or work?

• Do you struggle with fatigue or low energy, even after adequate sleep? Sleeping too much or experiencing insomnia?

• Are you experiencing changes in appetite or weight?

• Do you have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering information?

• Do you often feel worthless, guilty, or self-critical?

• Have you had thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feeling that life is not worth living?

If you answered “yes” to some of these questions, you may be dealing with depression. Recognizing the signs is an empowering first step toward getting the help you need.

Symptoms of Depression

• Emotional symptoms:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness or emptiness

  • Frustration and irritability over small matters

  • Loss of interest or favorite activities

• Cognitive symptoms:

  • Difficulty concentrating, recalling details, or making decisions

  • Recurring thoughts of low self-worth

• Physical symptoms:

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Changes in appetite or weight

  • Sleep disturbances in the form of insomnia or excessive sleeping

  • Physical pain, aches or digestive issues

How Therapy Can Help with Depression

1. Explore Underlying Causes: Therapy helps you uncover root causes of your depression, whether they stem from past experiences, relationships, or stressors.

2. Develop Coping Strategies: A therapist can teach you practical techniques to manage negative thoughts and emotions.

3. Alter Negative Thinking Patterns: Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help you identify and reframe harmful thought patterns, fostering a more positive outlook.

4. Build Resilience: Therapy supports the development of skills to manage future challenges and maintain emotional balance.

5. Provide Support and Validation: Having a trained professional to talk to can help you feel less isolated and more understood.

Effective Treatment Methods for Depression

At Clariel Therapy, we use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs. Here are some of the treatments we offer for depression:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness techniques help clients stay present and reduce rumination on negative thoughts.

• Somatic Therapy: A holistic approach to healing that focuses on the connection between the mind and body, using techniques like body awareness, movement, and breathing exercises to process emotions and trauma.

• Narrative Therapy: A collaborative approach that helps individuals reshape their personal stories, emphasizing their strengths and abilities to overcome challenges and rewrite narratives about their lives.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR can be effective for depression related to past trauma or unresolved grief.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT teaches clients to accept difficult emotions while committing to actions aligned with their values and goals.

• Healthy Lifestyle Guidance and Support: Therapy can incorporate guidance on self-care practices such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Depression can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Together, we can help you reclaim joy and find renewed hope for the future.