Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. But, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. Some people have high-functioning depression, while others have severe depression that makes it feel impossible to get out of bed in the morning.
Somewhere in between is moderate depression.
There isn’t a precise scale professionals rely on to determine whether someone has mild, moderate, or severe depression. Rather, you should look at how long you tend to experience your symptoms, and how severe they are when you’re dealing with them.
Let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms of moderate depression and how you can cope with those feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
The common symptoms of depression don’t really change whether you have mild, moderate, or severe. Again, it’s the severity and length of the symptoms that determine where you are on that scale. With that in mind, some of those common symptoms include:
- Feelings of sadness or a low mood
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Restlessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Low self-esteem
Depression can also impact your physical health. You might struggle with things like aches and pains or digestive issues. Even though it’s a mental health condition, it can manifest itself in a variety of physical problems that create a vicious cycle. The worse you feel physically, the harder it often is to overcome mental issues.
When you have moderate depression, these symptoms can fluctuate. You likely won’t feel all of them at the same time. Or, some might come on stronger than others.
How Is Moderate Depression Diagnosed?
Because there is no scale for diagnosing the severity of depression, it’s essential to work with a mental health professional to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
First, in order to be diagnosed with depression, your symptoms need to persist for at least two weeks. That doesn’t mean they need to feel extreme that whole time. But if there’s a lingering, consistent sadness or hopelessness plaguing you for more than two weeks, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with depression.
When you work with a mental health professional, they will likely ask questions about the severity of your symptoms. They will want to know how your depression impacts your day-to-day life. Are you able to function fairly normally? Do you go to work or school? Do you spend time with family members and friends?
People with mild or high-functioning depression are often able to live relatively normal lives. Those with moderate depression might see more of an impact. Your depression might make it difficult to focus at work, or it might start to affect your relationships.
How to Cope with Moderate Depression
The good thing about getting diagnosed with moderate depression by a mental health professional is that you can work with that person to manage it. Therapy is often the best way to deal with depression. A therapist can help you better understand where it stems from, which is the first step toward truly healing.
Therapy can also teach you healthy coping techniques to manage your symptoms. Additionally, you can fight back against the effects of depression by implementing daily self-care practices. Things like mindfulness, journaling, meditation, and even regular exercise can all help to improve your mood and make the weight of depression seem less heavy.
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of moderate depression for a while and you’re ready to get the help you deserve, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to offer more information or set up an appointment. Don’t assume you don’t need help because your depression isn’t severe. By trying to ignore it, it could eventually become paralyzing.
Start Treatment for Moderate Depression in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Arizona Online
You don’t have to struggle with the pain of moderate depression. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to support you in taking the next step to address your depression symptoms. We have offices throughout the Valley of the Sun including Phoenix, Anthem, Scottsdale and online. Start your therapy journey with Crossroads Counseling, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Crossroads Counseling for a complimentary 20-minute phone consult
- Meet with a depression therapist
- Start addressing the symptoms affecting you most
Our offices are located throughout the valley with counseling centers located in Phoenix, Anthem, and Scottsdale. Call us at 623-680-3486,text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com. We offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to answer your questions and better understand how we can help you.
