Am I depressed? Or is this a transition?
Life comes equipped with many transitions that affect the way we feel. Whether it’s nodal events like a birth of a baby or a job change, these changes force a shift in our environment and our emotions.
During shifts we sometimes don’t give ourselves enough time to process our actual feelings. Unprocessed feelings can manifest itself as “minor depression” or unstable emotions.
How do you know if you are experiencing depression?
There isn’t a one size fits all standard when it comes to experiencing depression but there are some great signals you can look out for when you think you may be experiencing a depressive episode.
Why do transitions cause emotional shifts?
We undergo a lot of chemical changes throughout the day. We don’t notice the changes as they become routine. But what happens when a major shift occurs for us? The chemical surges become more evident due to our heightened sensitivity.
When your sensitivity is heightened you may begin to experience butterflies in your stomach or even sweat as your serotonin or cortisol levels increases.
How do I know if I am depressed?
There are few indicators that may suggest that you are experiencing depression that surpasses an emotional transition. Perhaps you’ve just transitioned to a new job and you’re trying to manage the stress, but the feelings are becoming way to intense.
You may be experiencing depression or minor depression if:
(over the period of two weeks)
- You’re finding it hard to feel empathetic towards others
- You find yourself isolating from others more frequently than not when your typical behaviors are to be with others
- You are feeling unmotivated
- You have a lot of negative thoughts including thoughts of hopelessness
Unlock the rest of the check list below
How do I manage minor depression?
First, it’s important to note that the feelings you are experiencing are normal despite what the self critic in you says.
And feelings of both depression and minor depression can change given time and proper techniques.
Track Behaviors
Like any other behavior, tracking and journaling your day can be a great start to getting control over your depressive parts.
When you track your behaviors it’s easier to see the events leading up to an episode or a potential trigger. If we can understand the cause then we can intervene when needed.
Do Something Fun
Try to find something that instills joy and intentionally make time to do it. When you are intentional about your choices instead of allowing your emotions to dictate your situation, it’s easier to shift your energy.
Create a Wellness Toolkit
Develop a wellness toolkit that you can go into when you are feeling a little down. Most people use these toolkits figuratively. The toolkit can consist of things that usually give you a quick mood boost.
Ie: Reading a book, taking a hot bath, going for a nature walk etc. The significance is to show how versatile our moods can be so our tools need versatility as well.
Get Help
If possible, try to speak with a professional. There are many therapeutic modalities that allow a safe space to help unpack your experiences through these times. As a therapist I enjoy helping individuals learn how to manage depression. I engage in an innovative therapeutic techniques that helps people deal with anxiety and other mentally altering problems.
If you are looking for a therapist in Connecticut for depression or a therapist in Florida you can book your free consumption with me here.
