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Writer's pictureKara Kohnen

When to seek professional help for depression is an important step in managing your mental health. Key signs that it may be time to reach out for support:

Updated: Nov 8

1. Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness


If feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness persist for two weeks or more and don’t seem to improve, it could indicate clinical depression. When these feelings dominate your daily life, professional help can provide relief and strategies for recovery.


2. Difficulty Managing Daily Life


When depression makes it hard to manage your regular responsibilities—such as work, school, or personal relationships—it may be time to seek help. If you find yourself withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed or struggling to complete basic tasks, professional support can help you regain control.



3. Changes in Sleep or Appetite


Significant changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little) or appetite (eating too much or too little) can be signs of depression. If these changes are affecting your physical and emotional well-being, it’s important to consult a mental health professional.


4. Physical Symptoms


Depression can manifest physically through symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, or chronic pain that don’t have an obvious cause. If you’re experiencing unexplained physical symptoms alongside emotional distress, seeking help can address both your mental and physical health.


5. Increased Irritability or Anger


Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. For some, it manifests as irritability, frustration, or anger. If you’re frequently feeling on edge or lashing out at others, it may be a sign that you’re struggling with depression and could benefit from professional intervention.


6. Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide


If you’re having thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or death, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. These thoughts are a sign of severe depression, and professional intervention is necessary to ensure your safety and provide the support you need.



7. Loss of Interest in Activities


A marked loss of interest in hobbies, socializing, or activities that once brought you joy is a common sign of depression. If nothing seems enjoyable anymore, this is a strong indicator that professional help could make a difference.


8. Struggling to Concentrate


Depression can impair cognitive functioning, making it difficult to focus, make decisions, or remember important information. If these issues are interfering with your ability to perform tasks at work or school, seeking help is important.


9. Feeling Worthless or Guilty


Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness, especially when they don’t align with reality, can indicate depression. If you’re constantly criticizing yourself or feeling like a burden, professional support can help shift these negative patterns of thinking.


10. Your Coping Strategies Aren’t Working


If your usual coping mechanisms—like exercise, social support, or hobbies—no longer seem effective in managing your mood, it’s a sign that you might need more structured help. A therapist or counselor can provide new tools and approaches to manage your depression.


11. Substance Use to Cope


If you find yourself turning to alcohol, drugs, or other harmful behaviors to cope with emotional pain, it’s a clear sign that professional help is needed. Substance use can worsen depression and lead to other health problems.


12. Others Have Expressed Concern


Sometimes, friends or family may notice changes in your behavior or mood before you do. If multiple people have expressed concern about your mental health, it’s worth considering professional support, even if you don’t feel ready.



13. You’ve Experienced Trauma


Trauma—whether from a recent event or a past experience—can trigger depression. If you’re finding it hard to process or move past the trauma, a mental health professional can offer specialized support to help you heal.


What to Do Next:


If you recognize any of these signs, consider contacting our intake team 619-549-0329 ext 0 At Grow Through Life Counseling, we can provide a diagnosis, offer support, and guide you through treatment options, such as therapy. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.



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