Depression affects everyone differently. This includes how severe the depression is, based on a scale. Knowing the symptoms of moderate depression can help you determine whether you or a loved one might battle this mental illness. Additionally, it might help you figure out where your depression is on the scale. Mental health providers determine the level of depression after a brief assessment.
These assessments evaluate the details of your depressed mood and any symptoms. Regardless of where it is on the scale, depression is a condition that negatively impacts how you think, feel, and act. So knowing the symptoms and how to get treatment can help you improve your overall quality of life.
What is Moderate Depression?
Depression scales are based on the frequency of symptoms and their severity. It’s important to understand that every person with depression will not experience every symptom of depression. This is a uniquely personal experience. It’s also worth noting that your symptoms must persist for at least two weeks to be diagnosed.
The reason providers look for this extended period when diagnosing patients is because we all feel low sometimes. Depression is a specific mental illness that can affect your way of life. It can cause you to miss school or work. If symptoms become severe enough, they can lead to suicidal ideation or attempts. Symptoms of moderate depression include:
- Unexplainable aches and pains
- Digestive issues without an apparent cause
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Isolation from family and friends
- Sleeping problems, either too much or too little
- Low self-esteem
- Consistent low mood or feelings of hopelessness
How We Diagnose Moderate Depression
Mental health professionals start by talking with you about how you’re feeling. They’ll assess your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life. This includes whether you’re getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and how you’re maintaining your diet. If your depression affects your life very little, you may be diagnosed with mild depression.
While severe depression and major depressive disorder (MDD) impact a person’s life to an extreme degree, moderate depression is a kind of mid-way point. Moderate depression might cause you to have a low mood and take the day off. In contrast, severe depression might cause you to miss work without calling in at all and remain absent for days at a time. Again, this scale is determined by a therapist.
Treatment for Moderate Depression
If you think you or a loved one might have depression, contact a professional. Even if you just choose to talk to your regular care provider about it, that’s fine. If they think symptoms are severe enough, or if you prefer to find a therapist, they can help you find a mental health provider. One of the most recommended treatments for depression is lifestyle changes. This might include:
- Regular exercise
- Healthier food choices
- Mindfulness practices
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Reduced alcohol or drug use
Beyond these basics, there are several clinical ways you can address depression. You can discuss the treatment options you feel are most comfortable with your provider. Most therapists recommend a blend of both talk therapy and medication.
Medication
Antidepressants boost certain brain chemicals to help with the neurological issues that drive depression. Antidepressants most commonly manipulate levels of serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin helps us regulate mood. Dopamine is one of our feel-good brain chemicals.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy addresses any underlying trauma and helps you find coping strategies you can use in your daily life. This includes figuring out what parts of your daily life might contribute to your depression. They can help you set goals for making change and work to identify any patterns or behaviors that might negatively impact you.
Get in touch with me if you are ready to take on your depression. Together, we can find a healthier way forward for you.
