Life is full emotions—including sad ones. But when the blues start to become persistent or problematic, you may need to talk to a doctor about depression. As noted by the professionals at the Counseling Solutions of Alaska in Anchorage, untreated depression won’t just leave you in a substandard mood—it can also have a dramatic effect on your health, disrupt your daily life, and, in severe cases, pose the risk of suicide. If you’re unsure about your mental health, this team of counselors highlights a few of the most common signs of clinical depression.   

3 Common Indicators of Clinical Depression 

1. Negative Thinking

When a person is depressed, it is difficult to steer the mind away from sad, dark, or negative thoughts. For example, a clinically depressed individual may start to think they aren’t important anymore or focus on thoughts of death.

2. Trouble Sleeping

If depression is paired with anxiety, a person may become preoccupied with thoughts of worry or hopelessness that eventually lead to sleeplessness. In other cases, a person may consistently oversleep, either due to fatigue or dread of starting the day.

3. Isolation

The amount of stress depression places on one’s mental health can make it hard for individuals to find joy in daily activities or things that once made them happy. As a result, people may withdraw from family and friends and become isolated in their home.

While these symptoms can be unpleasant, they can be managed with the help of mental health professionals. For example, some find counseling is a great way to process the experience and learn coping mechanisms, including anger and stress management exercises. In some cases, antidepressants can also help boost one’s mood by balancing out their brain chemistry.

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these signs of depression in Anchorage, Counseling Solutions of Alaska offers a variety of services that can help. In addition to providing comprehensive counseling services, this center also features a psychiatric clinic that can prescribe medications to manage mental health conditions. To schedule a confidential appointment with a caring professional, contact the clinic at (907) 644-8044.