Depression and Integrated Behavioral Health
Depression can feel isolating, but you’re not alone.
Feelings of depression and anxiety can occur year-round, however, the winter can be especially hard. Less sunlight can have a direct effect on mental health, and it can make us feel like isolating. Our Behavioral Health consultants (BHCS) want you to feel better and live your life to its fullest. The first step to feeling better can be talking about it. Our professionals are ready to help.
What are the signs of depression?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is not a feeling, but a mood disorder caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. Feelings associated with depression are sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, irritability, and disinterest. Feeling anxious can also show up with feelings of anxiety.
Depression usually shows up in episodes. You could have one episode, or yours could be frequent. Here are some signs to look out for that signify a depressive episode:
- Loss of pleasure and interest in most activities, even ones that brought you joy
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Brain fog and trouble thinking
- Heightened feelings of guilt or shame
- Reduced appetite or increased cravings for food
- Inability to complete daily hygiene tasks
- Exhaustion
What to do when you’re feeling depressed
Depression can feel lonely, and you can feel like isolating, but reaching out for help is worth it. Our BHCs at CHCW can talk through your feelings and give you the next steps to feel better.
Talk to someone
Harboring thoughts and feelings in your own head can make them feel bigger and heavier. By talking to someone, you’re not alone in your experience anymore. You’re not in it alone. Your load can feel a little lighter right away.
Take care of yourself
Once you’ve unpacked what you’re feeling and why you feel that way, your provider can provide some next steps. This could be some reflection or self-care. At CHCW behavioral health, we know that your overall health can affect your acute illnesses and vice versa. This is why we focus on habits. When working with patients with mental health issues, we know that helping them improve their diet, sleep, and physical activity helps.
Try to understand why you feel the way you do
Talking to a friend and/or a professional can help you understand why you feel the way you do. For some, that context is helpful. You can see where along the way in life you picked up those beliefs. You could realize that you have someone else’s voice in your head, telling you things that make you not feel good.
Medical intervention
Many of our behavioral health professionals are mental health professionals, or they can refer you to someone who is a good fit. You could see a therapist and/or psychiatrist for weekly therapy sessions, and they can recommend medications that could be a good fit.
Bob’s Journey on Lifestyle and Outlook Changes
Bob reached out for help and now feels better. If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, ask for help like Bob. Our BHCs work with you to make a plan that will make you feel better after reviewing all of your lifestyle factors.