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Is Life Getting You Down?

  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Rachel Wilde, PBT, CPT, MA
Is Life Getting You Down?

As a health coach, I regularly meet with clients who are experiencing some type of depression. Thankfully, my clients have often already addressed it with their providers, and are taking a proactive approach to manage it.

However sometimes, there are a few who have not recognized that there is an element of depression in their life (such as an unexpected life event) and they try to “tough it out”. Some are very aware of their struggle but they don’t wish to address it because they fear taking medications. Depression or stress is often a tremendous barrier for my clients to successfully manage change.

There is a large misconception that depression is a sign of weakness or lack of character, when it’s really a medical condition. And, like cancer, it can progress and get worse with time if left untreated. There are many types of depressions that can be treated and approached differently—either with lifestyle changes or with a qualified mental health professional who can help to guide the right treatment regimen with or without medications.

What are the types of depression?

  • Situational depression is often brought on by a specific, stressful life event, such as a divorce, loss of a job or a death in the family.
  • Major depression is characterized by feeling down or depressed most of the time, most days of the week. Persistent depression is similar to major depression, but lingers on, for two years or more.
  • Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is associated with periods of depression or lows alongside periods of manic or high moods and energy.
  • Seasonal depression (SAD) typically affects people over the winter months with deep depressions and subsides with the sunshine months.
  • Postpartum depression can be experienced by women in the weeks and months following childbirth. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is also experienced by women and relates to the hormone cycles women have due to menstruation.
  • Psychotic depression is a less common type of depression that includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.
  • Atypical depression is a type of depression that includes a specific pattern of depressive symptoms.

General signs of depression might include:

  • loss of interest or pleasure in your normal activities
  • weight loss or gains, or a change in appetite
  • difficulties with sleep (either too much or not enough)
  • feelings of restlessness or lethargy and fatigue
  • mental fog and difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • low self-esteem
  • mood swings
  • hopelessness or thoughts of suicide

When to seek help

If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or unable to do the things you once enjoyed, it may be time to assess your emotional health with a mental health provider—as a qualified mental health professional can help guide you through the right treatment regimen for you. It is also important that you know that you are not alone—most people struggle at some point in their lives. I encourage you to take the chance to push the reset button by seeking care.

Behavioral Health Services at Campbell County Memorial Hospital has a full staff of therapists and counselors for adults and adolescents, intensive outpatient and inpatient programs for substance abuse and much more—a complete list of services is available at www.cchwyo.org/BHS. There are other mental health providers in our community that your doctor or healthcare provider can refer you to as well.

If a crisis is mounting, or you are having thoughts of suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone who can help at the numbers below:

  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255)
  • Text “ENERGY” to 741-741
  • CCH Behavioral Health Services Crisis Line at 307.688.5050

And, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide call 911 NOW; learn more at www.cchwyo.org/resources/suicide-prevention/.

For more information about depression, check out these articles:

Have Questions?

Behavioral Health Services at Campbell County Memorial Hospital is dedicated to helping you find the right fit with a variety of mental health professionals including counselors, physicians and social workers. We provide our community compassionate, confidential and comprehensive treatment of behavioral disorders, mental illness and substance abuse treatment following detox. Learn more about the providers and the mental health services Behavioral Health Services provides at www.cchwyo.org/BHS.

Campbell County Health Wellness works to reduce health risks and promote overall wellness among employee groups and individuals across the northeastern Wyoming region. To learn more about Wellness, please visit www.cchwyo.org/services/wellness/ or call 307.688.8051.

This blog was written by Rachel Wilde, CPT, MA, CCH Wellness Services Technician and Phlebotomist

  • Category: Behavioral Health Services, Wellness