Signs of Depression and Resources for Depression Awareness Month
October is Depression Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of depression and how to get help when you need it.
Depression can affect every aspect of a person’s life - their personal relationships, physical health, and mental wellbeing. It’s more than a feeling of sadness or being unhappy with life. Depression has specific and persistent symptoms that can greatly impact someone’s sense of wellbeing. In this blog, we are going to take a look at the signs and symptoms of depression to look out for.
Hopelessness
People battling depression often have an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, often accompanied by low self worth. Many times these feelings can lead to social isolation.
Fatigue and Sleep Problems
One of the most debilitating symptoms of depression is feeling very tired. This can inhibit an individual’s ability to do daily tasks, get to work, and engage in enjoyable activities. This can also cause someone to sleep an excessive amount of hours each night or lead to insomnia.
Loss of Interest
A major sign of depression is loosing interest in things someone once enjoyed - hobbies, sports, family, friends, being active.
Changes in Appetite
Changes in appetite can look different for people with depression. Some individuals eat excessively and gain weight, while others may be less hungry and loose weight. Unintentional changes in weight is a common sign of depression.
Thoughts of Suicide
Thoughts of suicide or harming oneself can be a sign of depression. It’s important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation.
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Resources
If you or someone you know needs support, contact our office for professional counseling, psychiatric care, and mental health support and resources. It's essential to seek help. Here are some depression resources and hotline numbers that can provide assistance and support as well:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Phone: 1-800-950-6264 available M-F, 10am-10pm, EST
Text: “Helpline” to 62640
Website: nami.org
NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Phone: 1-800-622-HELP(4357)
Website: samhsa.gov
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL)
Phone: 1-800-715-4225
For immediate access to routine or crisis services, you can call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL). GCAL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to help you or someone you care for in a crisis. GCAL professionals will:
Provide telephonic crisis intervention services
Dispatch mobile crisis teams
Assist individuals in finding an open crisis or detox bed across the State
Link individuals with urgent appointment services
988
Phone: 988
988 is emerging as the 911 of behavioral health. Callers will be connected to a trained staff member who can help address immediate needs and connect the callers to care resources., 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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