Seasonal Depression
It’s very common to feel sad during this winter season. Millions of Americans suffer from some form of depression every year. That being said, you are not alone. There are many resources to help including free screenings, therapy, support groups, exercising, and many more. However, admitting that you want help is the first step to living a happier and healthier life.
Statistics
Most Common Signs And Symptoms of Depression
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Appetite or weight changes
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or back pain
- Recurrent thoughts of suicide
- Difficulty sleeping, sleep disturbances, and/or having a hard time getting out of bed
- Difficulty thinking clearly, making decisions, or concentrating
- Feeling of isolation or wanting to be isolated for long periods of time
Possible Treatment Options
- Sign up for a clinical trial and/or free screenings for depression
- Therapy – speaking with a psychologist
- Medication
- Exercise (physical and mental), Yoga, Meditation
- Keeping a journal (writing down your thoughts instead of bottling them up)
- Write short and long-term goals for yourself
- Calling a depression hotline if you don’t feel comfortable talking to a therapist
- Seeking support groups, or talking to someone you feel close to
Clinical Research May Be An Option!
As mentioned, participating in a clinical trial is available as a treatment option. The benefits of volunteering for a study include, but are not limited to the following:
- Helping future and current generations
- You or your loved one may have access to new treatments, not available to the public
- Data collected from the results is used to determine whether a new medication or therapy is safe and effective.
ActivMed Practices & Research Inc. is passionate about helping those with depression by conducting clinical trials. If you or someone you know is diagnosed with depression or is not sure whether they have depression learn about these study opportunities and see if you qualify. Click HERE.
Looking Forward
Recovery is a slow process, but these treatment options can be very helpful. However, it is not a race, and you shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself to get better right away. Depression affects people of all ages, races, ethnicity, and backgrounds. Depression can be deceiving in the sense that the people who appear to be “fine” are actually the people who are struggling with it the most. It is also good to help others who suffer from depression as well. Together we can be healthier.
