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How do you recognize depression?
Am I depressed?
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders in the world. Worldwide, many people suffer from depression or depressive disorder once in their lifetime. But how do you recognize depression and what does depression feel like?
What depression feels like can be different for each person. Some depression is more severe than others, but in general there are some recurring characteristics of depression. Specifically, in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), depression is characterized by a depressed mood and loss of interest in almost all activities.
Characteristics of depression
In addition to features such as depressed mood, the symptoms listed to the right are the most common symptoms in people with depression:
• Dejection or gloominess
• Listlessness
• Tired, lack of energy
• You feel lonely
• Difficulty focusing
• Restless or sluggish
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
• Memory problems or forgetfulness
• You feel worthless
• Weight loss or gain
How long does depression last?
It may happen that you experience a few days of gloom or feeling less comfortable in your own skin. Usually these depressive feelings go away on their own. People who are depressed suffer from mood symptoms for longer than two weeks. How long depression lasts can vary enormously from person to person. When you suffer from depressive symptoms for longer than two years, we often speak of chronic depression.
You may also suffer from recurrent depression in which mood symptoms keep returning. Depression can also be tied to certain events or to a certain time of year, such as winter depression.
In about half of people with depression, depressive symptoms last less than three months. About 20% experience chronic depression. In these cases, the mood symptoms may persist for years. The intensity of the symptoms then often alternates between periods when things are better and periods when the symptoms increase again.
Learn more about inpatient treatment for your depression at U-center.
Clients tell
their stories
It is valuable to hear from former clients how they experienced treatment as a turning point in their lives. Their stories provide recognition and show that change really is possible - no matter how difficult the road sometimes seems. They give insight that with the right guidance and motivation steps can be taken towards a new perspective.
Watch and listen to André's story.
André
Living with depression
Severe depression
Depressive symptoms often arise gradually and increase over time. You do not become severely depressed overnight. Depression can vary widely in the duration, causes and severity of depressive symptoms. We speak of moderate or mild depression when your symptoms last less than three months.
When depression dominates your life and you suffer from dejection for a long time we often speak of a more severe or severe depression. It is therefore important to seek help for your depression quickly.
During your treatment at U-center, you will actively work on your depression together with a team of therapists. Nutrition, exercise and daily rhythm also play a major role in your recovery. Therefore, there are set meal times every day when we serve healthy and freshly cooked meals. The treatment center is located in the beautiful South Limburg hills and is fully equipped, so you can fully focus on recovery from your depression.
If you suspect you have depression you can contact your family doctor. Your family doctor can determine if you have depression and refer you to appropriate help.