Depression Symptoms May Vary at Different Stages of Life
Children with depression may not want to go to school. They may not do well in classes, or their grades may drop. Younger children may cling to their parents and worry about everything.
Teens with depression may also want to avoid school. They may be extremely sensitive, have a poor self-image, or eat or sleep all the time. They may even experiment with illegal drugs or alcohol or engage in self-harm like cutting their skin, banging their head against a wall, burning themselves, or pulling out their hair.
Older people may have undiagnosed depression because their symptoms are mistaken for normal signs of aging. They may want to stay home all the time and avoid people. They may lose their appetite, have trouble sleeping or remembering things, or have fatigue or pain that isn’t due to a medical condition.
How Your Doctor Can Help
If you think you or your loved one has depression, see your doctor or a mental health professional. They can diagnose your condition and suggest treatments that improve your symptoms.
Your doctor can perform a physical exam and review your medical and family history. They may give you a blood test to rule out medical causes of some of your symptoms. For instance, a thyroid problem can cause fatigue and a low mood. They’ll ask you about your symptoms. They may give you a questionnaire to fill out about your sad feelings and thoughts.
Your doctor or mental health professional can also determine if you have a particular type of depression, like melancholic, atypical, or seasonal depression.
You Can Treat and Manage Depression With Help
Depression is treatable. Your doctor can prescribe medications and psychotherapy. They can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further therapy.
Don’t try to deal with depression on your own, or worry that other people will look down on you because of your condition or because you need treatment. With treatment, you can manage your depression symptoms.
- If you’re diagnosed with depression, don’t feel ashamed. Depression or mental health treatment is not a stigma. Other people may not understand that depression is a medical condition, not just sadness. Getting treatment is taking care of yourself.
- Don’t tell yourself that you’re weak and should be able to handle your emotions. You’re a person, not your diagnosis.
- Learn more about depression and your symptoms so you understand them. Check out support groups where you can talk with other people who are living with depression.
Healthy Mind Therapy Mental Health Practice Eatontown NJ Healthy Mind Therapy is a trusted outpatient mental health practice serving individuals, adolescents, and families across New Jersey. Built on a foundation of compassion, respect, and clinical excellence, Healthy Mind Therapy provides a safe, welcoming space where clients can openly explore challenges,…
View more
Andrea Cernero LPC, ACS, PHM-C, Haven for Healing Psychotherapy Shrewsbury NJ Haven For Healing is a psychotherapy practice in Shrewsbury NJ. With over 20 years of combined mental health experience, we are committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and empowering care. We believe that healing begins with self-awareness, compassion, and the…
View more
Kelly Dyckman Social Worker Haven for Healing Psychotherapy Shrewsbury NJ Haven For Healing is a psychotherapy practice in Shrewsbury NJ. With over 20 years of combined mental health experience, we are committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and empowering care. We believe that healing begins with self-awareness, compassion, and the belief…
View more
TMS Therapy for Depression Tinton Falls NJ The TMS Center of New Jersey provides NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy treatment for Depression. NeuroStar Advanced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a groundbreaking, non-surgical, and non-invasive treatment that is revolutionizing mental health care for clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxious depression….
View more
Psychiatric Consultants Red Bank NJ Hema Vyas, M.D. Psychiatric Consultants Red Bank NJ Hema Vyas MD approach more holistic. I like to combine meditation and mindfulness techniques along with medication when necessary. Working with children, adolescents, and adults, I treat Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD/ADD, OCD and more. I endeavor…
View more
Mental Health Association of Monmouth County About Us Established in 1950, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is an affiliate of the national nonprofit Mental Health America. Our professional staff has been on the forefront of creating a meaningful system of mental health care that strategically focuses on eliminating…
View more
Central Counseling and Care Clinic Freehold Mental Health Clinic Freehold NJ Central Counseling and Care Clinic's mission is to provide the highest quality mental health care to the widest range of issues and ages. We serve adults, seniors, children, and adolescents utilizing treatments with the best evidence of effectiveness. Our…
View more 