SADNESS AND DEPRESSION
Below are symptoms of sadness and depression I often see in my practice. The symptoms are organized by the impact evident in a person’s behavior, thinking, emotions, and body experiences. You may notice you have symptoms from each category. Some people present to therapy with only one of these categories as their predominant manifestation, but it continues to negatively impact their life. For example, clients report thinking patterns that they aren’t, “good enough” and rumination— or returning to these thoughts again and again. They assume that others do not like them, and struggle to consider ways they might find joy. These clients often find therapy focused on combatting sadness and depression greatly improves their daily functioning. If you read these descriptions and are still uncertain about your own experience, feel free to contact me for a consultation.
MIND
With bouts of sadness some people report their thoughts become absorbed with sad memories or depressing ideas. When you experience a strong emotion, such as sadness, the mind often recalls other times you were also sad. It becomes easier to remember sad events and more difficult to recall happy memories that might shift your mood. You may begin to see yourself through this despairing lens, thinking of yourself as a person who is always unlucky, facing hardship and loneliness. You may notice diminished self esteem, with thoughts that you aren’t good enough, are socially awkward, lonely, or an outsider. You may notice anxious thoughts that you are simply waiting for others to realize you are inept.
BODY
Our bodies respond to our emotions. During sadness some people report sluggishness, that they literally move slowly. Others indicate the opposite experience, rapid movement or agitation— and other people in their lives notice these changes as well. You may notice new bodily symptoms such as tightness, pressure, nausea, aches, or pains. People report migraines, fatigue, and loss of energy. You may notice difficulty or the inability to sleep. Sometimes people notice hypersomnia-sleeping much more than usual. The impact of sadness varies but can often create noticeable shifts in your body experience.
BEHAVIOR
During depression or sadness people notice difficulty performing daily activities at home, work, or other important areas. Many people no longer engage in activities that used to interest them and stop working toward their goals. You might notice that you don’t stick to your typical routine, don’t complete chores or activities, don’t get to bed or wake up at the same time. People notice they change what, when, and how much they eat. You may avoid certain places you used to go—or the opposite, you get stuck in a behavioral rut without trying new experiences. Many people notice they stop socializing and constantly distract themselves to avoid interacting with others.
EMOTION
Sadness and depression are complex and often include a variety of additional, subtle emotions. Along with depressed mood there may be loneliness, emptiness, or diminished sense of hope. You may notice apathy, anger, or guilt. People frequently report diminished motivation and difficulty garnering desire to try. You may notice a loss of interest or pleasure in doing things that used to bring you joy. People sometimes experience worry, anxiety, and panic when they are sad. These emotions can become overwhelming, making it difficult to function.