How is depression diagnosed? (Part 2)

In part 1 of this blog, you learned that depression is one of the most common mental health conditions across the globe. While it impacts people differently and with different severity, all forms depression can impact your life in negative ways. 

You might wonder how depression is diagnosed since people experience it in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at how depression is diagnosed and what healthcare professionals look for when making that diagnosis. 

Recognizing the Symptoms

Depression is often first “diagnosed” by the individual experiencing it. When you recognize some of the common symptoms, you can develop a pretty good idea of what you’re dealing with. Some of those symptoms include: 

• Feeling sad or empty

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Feeling worthless

• Physical issues like aches, pains, digestive problems, or cramping

It’s also not uncommon for people with depression to struggle with things like guilt. They might have difficulty concentrating or focusing and often deal with fatigue and a lack of energy. While these symptoms aren’t exclusive to depression, having more than one of them persist for an extended period of time should be a red flag and your first indicator that you should receive an official diagnosis.

You might be surprised to learn that having several of these symptoms for just two consecutive weeks can be enough for a diagnosis of depression. If this sounds like you, now is a great time to get support.

Getting a Diagnosis

If you think you might be experiencing depression, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a therapist or primary care physician. To make a diagnosis, your therapist or healthcare provider will likely talk to you about how long your symptoms have been going on and when they began. They’ll also talk about how those symptoms are impacting your life.

If you want to prepare yourself before seeing a mental health provider, consider jotting down some of your common symptoms, how often they occur, and how they make you feel. It’s also a good idea to connect with a medical practitioner to rule out any medical issues that could be contributing to some of your symptoms. There aren’t any official “tests” that are used to diagnose depression. You won’t have to get blood drawn or receive any scans. Rather, your diagnosis will come from a conversation or two with your mental health provider.

What to Do After a Diagnosis

The good news is that after receiving a diagnosis, you can talk to your mental health professional directly about the next steps to take. If a therapist diagnoses you, consider working with them to discover the underlying cause of your depression, as well as the skills needed to work through it and overcome it. In most cases, depression is a very manageable condition.

Sometimes, your therapist may recommend additional supports like working with a dietician, physical therapist, or psychiatist to support your recovery. As you are recovering from depression, it’s also important to lean on your support system for help—whether they can be a listening ear or can lend a hand with practical things like cooking and cleaning.

If you regularly experience symptoms of depression, it’s never too early or too late to get help. You can feel better and working with a therapist is a great starting point. Please contact us for more information or to set up an appointment. Together, we’ll get to the bottom of what you’re feeling. If you are diagnosed with depression, we can work together to overcome it.