Depression: When Should You Consider Seeking Professional Help?

Everyone feels sad, discouraged, or overwhelmed sometimes. Life can bring difficult experiences, disappointments, loss, stress, and major changes that affect how we feel.

But depression is more than simply having a bad day or going through a difficult period.

Depression can affect your mood, thoughts, energy, sleep, relationships, work, and ability to enjoy things you normally care about.

So how do you know when it may be time to seek professional help?

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect the way a person feels, thinks, and functions.

There are different types of depressive disorders, and symptoms can vary from person to person.

Common symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness or feeling down

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Changes in sleep

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Low energy or fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

• Irritability or frustration

• Moving or speaking more slowly than usual

• Withdrawing from friends or activities

• Difficulty completing everyday responsibilities

Not everyone with depression experiences every symptom.

Some people may primarily notice changes in their sleep or energy. Others may feel emotionally numb, irritable, disconnected, or unable to enjoy things that once brought them happiness.

Depression vs. Feeling Down

Feeling sad or discouraged does not automatically mean that someone has depression.

Difficult emotions are a normal part of life, particularly after stressful or painful experiences.

Other health concerns, such as anxiety, can also occur alongside depression, which is another reason a comprehensive evaluation can be helpful.

One reason depression can be different is that symptoms may persist and begin interfering with daily functioning.

You may want to consider talking with a mental health professional if changes in your mood, energy, sleep, motivation, or interest in activities are:

• Persistent or becoming more frequent

• Interfering with work or school

• Affecting relationships

• Making everyday responsibilities difficult

• Causing significant distress

• Making it difficult to care for yourself

• Affecting your ability to enjoy things you normally value

You don’t have to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking support.

What Causes Depression?

There isn’t always one simple cause of depression.

Depression can be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

These may include genetics, changes in brain chemistry, medical conditions, medications, chronic stress, trauma, major life changes, and other circumstances.

Sometimes depression develops without an obvious trigger.

That doesn’t make the symptoms any less real or deserving of attention.

A healthcare professional can help evaluate symptoms and consider whether there may be medical or other factors contributing to how you’re feeling.

Can Depression Be Treated?

Yes. Depression is treatable, although the most appropriate treatment varies from person to person.

Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.

Therapy

Psychotherapy can help people understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and develop strategies for managing symptoms.

Different forms of therapy may be helpful depending on the individual and the type of depression they are experiencing.

Medication

For some people, antidepressant medication may be part of their treatment plan.

There are several types of medications used to treat depression, and they can affect individuals differently.

A psychiatric provider can discuss potential benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives with you.

Finding the right medication and dose may take time, and treatment should be monitored and adjusted when appropriate.

A Combination of Treatments

Some people benefit from both therapy and medication.

For example, a person may work with a therapist while also seeing a psychiatric provider for medication management.

These approaches can complement one another and address different aspects of a person’s mental health.

What Happens If I Seek Psychiatric Care for Depression?

If you schedule a psychiatric appointment, your provider will generally begin with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

You may be asked about:

• Your current symptoms

• When your symptoms started

• How your symptoms affect your daily life

• Sleep and appetite

• Energy and concentration

• Previous mental health treatment

• Current medications and supplements

• Medical history

• Family mental health history

• Substance use

• Major life changes or stressors

Your provider may also ask about your safety and whether you’ve experienced thoughts of harming yourself.

These questions are a normal and important part of psychiatric care. They help your provider understand the severity of your symptoms and determine what type of support may be appropriate.

Based on the evaluation, your provider can discuss treatment options with you.

What If I’m Already Seeing a Therapist?

You don’t necessarily have to choose between therapy and psychiatric care.

Many people benefit from both.

A therapist may provide psychotherapy and help you develop coping strategies, while a psychiatric provider can evaluate symptoms and provide medication management when appropriate.

With your permission, members of your healthcare team may also communicate with one another to help coordinate your care.

When Should I Seek Urgent Help?

If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming someone else, don’t wait for a routine psychiatric appointment.

In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate crisis support.

If you believe you are in immediate danger or are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

You deserve support even if you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is “serious enough.”

Getting Help Is a Sign of Strength

Depression can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

If you’ve noticed changes in your mood, sleep, energy, motivation, or ability to enjoy your life, you don’t have to figure out what is happening on your own.

Talking with a qualified mental health professional can help you understand your symptoms and explore your options.

At Hummingbird Health & Wellness, Sarah Fortin, MS, APRN, PMHNP-BC provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults 18 and older in Ohio.

If you’re wondering whether psychiatric care may be appropriate for you, an evaluation can be a starting point for understanding your symptoms and discussing possible treatment options.

Book an Appointment

Meet Sarah

Learn More About Psychiatric Medication Management

Important Note

This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about depression or your mental health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.