Everyone feels blue every now and then, but how do you know if you are more than just sad or down? For more than 75 years, the health care team at Lincoln Psychiatric Group has been encouraging people in Lincoln, NE, to explore and evaluate their mental health and lifestyle to help them manage their overall health. The team offers a wide range of psychiatric and counseling services, therapies, and treatments for depression and other mental health problems.

Major depressive disorder has specific signs and symptoms that, if left untreated, may worsen and last for months. It’s important to learn more about depression and its warning signs so you can talk to your doctor about treatment and prevent any complications. Talk openly with your doctor if you have these major depression symptoms:

• You Lose Interest In Things You Love: If you used to love going out with friends, playing basketball after work, or painting on the weekends, but you have started to withdraw from these activities because they no longer bring you pleasure, it might be a sign that you have major depression.
• You Feel Fatigued Almost Every Day: Another telltale sign of depression is feeling very tired. Depression and a feeling of lethargy often go hand in hand, which could lead to excessive sleeping. However, depression is also linked to insomnia, and if you’re having trouble sleeping and are anxious about it, your insomnia—and depression—could worsen.
• You Experience A Significant Change In Weight: Some people with depression have an increased appetite and gain weight. Others lose their appetite and lose weight. If you experience a gain or loss of more than 5% of your body weight in a month, it might be a clue that something is wrong.
• You Have Feelings Of Worthlessness Or Guilt: If you find yourself making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless, you should reach out to someone. If the phrases, “It's all my fault,” or “What's the point?” constantly cross your mind, you might have depression. This thinking can lead to suicidal ideation, so getting prompt help is critical.

If you’ve suffered any of these major depression symptoms for more than two weeks, contact a mental health professional at Lincoln Psychiatric Group. Depression affects millions of people, but with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two treatments, you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

For more information about the counseling and psychiatric services offered by the experienced and trained professionals at Lincoln Psychiatric Group, visit their website or call the clinic at (402) 476-7557.