Am I Depressed? Coping With Depression Symptoms During the Coronavirus Pandemic – GoodHousekeeping.com
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More people than ever are experiencing feelings of anxiety, isolation, and fear during the novel coronavirus pandemic and there has been an onslaught of data-based evidence that suggests Americans may be more likely then to develop depression. A landmark study completed by the U.S. Census Bureau and five different federal agencies found that a third of Americans, on average, are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic; 47% of young adults between 18 and 29 within the study's 40,000 participants have exhibited symptoms associated with clinical depression since the pandemic began. A new Harris Poll found that one in four Americans report a lack of energy or sleep in their new routines, with women being more likely to experience these negative impacts than men (42% versus 34%, respectively). And even if people aren't losing sleep or can't drag themselves off the couch, it's hard for many people to feel truly happy as the pandemic rages on. The COVID Response Tracking Study, conducted by the NORC at the University of Chicago, found that only 14% of Americans feel "very happy," which suggests Americans are more unhappy now than in any of the last 50 years' of previously compiled data.
But when do feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, or general anxiety turn into something that you're not able to deal with on your own? All of the data compiled by scientists during the pandemic suggests that some Americans may be experiencing these symptoms for the first time. Below, experts recount telltale warning signs associated with depression, how you might work to overcome them at home, and when you should reach out to a professional for help.
The earliest warning signs of depression may be quite familiar, says Wayne Jonas, MD, executive director of Samueli Integrative Health Programs (which partnered with the Harris Poll to learn how the pandemic is affecting Americans' mental health). He tells Good Housekeeping,"Early on in depression, people may feel hopeless, no longer enjoy previously beloved activities, or experience mood swings or changes in energy levels or appetite." Depression affects everyone differently, however, and while a loss of appetite or sleep is common, these aren't the only symptoms of depression that may affect you.
Any number of the following symptoms may begin to manifest if you're developing depression, says Amanda Fialk, PhD, LICSW, LCSW, the chief of clinical services for the mental health services provider The Dorm. The most worrisome to keep an eye on, in addition to those above:
The pandemic is particularly challenging for those who have had previous issues related to their mental health, whether those issues were depression, anxiety, or addiction. And social distancing efforts and stay-at-home orders may have exacerbated just how hard it can be to manage the symptoms of such issues at home. "The pandemic is truly unprecedented; it impacts almost every aspect of life, is unpredictable and prolonged, and can feel unending and outside of our control," Dr. Jonas explains. "Humans are social animals that don't do well in isolation. As critical as it was to step away from our routines and daily interactions from family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, it's likely a root cause for feelings of depression."
Fialk says that many people might not even realize that their depression has become an issue because no one is around them to notice or jumpstart a conversation about it. "People struggling with depression tend to want to keep people out and to isolate, but these symptoms are more likely to persist when fewer people are around to notice," she shares. "The distance we're experiencing during the pandemic separates those suffering with depression from their supports; there's no access to coping skills like seeing a friend, taking a class, or heading to the movies."
Even if you're living with a family member or a roommate, a sense of isolation could enhance symptoms of depression that makes it feel like something you've never experienced before.
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If you're recognizing symptoms associated with depression, there are a few ways to begin to manage these feelings at home. "Remember: It is 'physical' distancing that is needed, not actually 'social' distancing, despite the name," Dr. Jonas says.
How can you tell when bad days or weeks have turned into a clinical depression that you shouldn't try to address on your own? The answer is complicated, but professional help most often is needed when feelings or tendencies have become persistent and have affected you consistently for more than two weeks.
If youre considering harming yourself, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Please reach out immediately if you think about harming yourself or others.
"If lifestyle changes don't help you move past these symptoms, cognitive behavioral therapy may help replace negative or despairing thoughts with positive ones, and could be a first good step," Dr. Jonas says. "Getting the social and emotional care that you need isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of courage, and it helps other people in your life as well." Remember that an initial phone call or email doesn't commit you immediately to treatment, so don't be afraid to reach out. More times than not, this conversation can also be had with a doctor who normally treats you they can refer you to the right professional, too.
If you're unsure of where to start, the following resources are great places to learn more about finding a care provider in your area:
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