Being Depressed Can Start to Feel Like your Comfort Zone
A few years ago, the weighted blanket became a craze, with skyrocketing sales and people raving about this innovative type of blanket. It wasn’t just about comfort from the cold; it went beyond, helping to alleviate anxiety by applying gentle pressure to an individual’s body. Picture it as if a reassuring hand was laid on them, bringing calm to their being. This unique blanket provided not only physical comfort but also a sense of security, offering solace when the world seemed overwhelming. It enveloped individuals in a cocoon of warmth, allowing them to escape into a world where they could find peace.
Depression mirrors this experience in many ways. Typically manifesting in later adolescence or young adulthood, although sometimes earlier, depression, like a weighted blanket, offers a strange kind of comfort. It may seem familiar, a known entity amid the unknowns of life. For some, the predictability of depression provides a peculiar sense of security—an absence of surprises, explanations, or external pressures. It becomes their personal weighted blanket.
Signs You Are Depressed
Depression may occur only once during your life, although some people typically have multiple episodes. During these recurring episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day, and may include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities, or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Finding Help for Depression
Depression, if not treated can progress into a more complicated situation. It can result in some emotional, behavioral, and even physical issues. Progression of depression without any help sometimes leads to more severe issues such as suicidal feelings or attempts. Don’t wait. Get help today. Reach out to close friends, spiritual leaders, or community support. Therapy can help you work through this challenging experience.
Our team of qualified therapists at Unified Family Therapy is trained to help you work through depression and other life challenges. Unified Family Therapy in Draper Utah is dedicated to getting you the proper help you need to change out that weighted blanket for something lighter. Let us help you find peace.
Contact us for a consultation or appointment with any one of our qualified and compassionate therapists.
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Click here to learn more about Gwen Davis, ACMHC .