Q&A: depression vs. blues; helping a loved one in distress; duration of antidepressant use; & "sick" or "stressed out"?

A mental health mashup 🧠

ICYMI 👉

• When Our Physical Container Breaks Down

• Protecting Women’s Health

• Are You Getting Enough Rest?

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Question #1 is free for all subscribers. Questions #2-4 (on helping a loved one in distress; the duration of antidepressant use; & distinguishing “sick” from “stressed out”) are for paid subscribers only.

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Click here to submit your questions (about anything) for future Q&A posts!

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer, nor are they a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

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The following subscriber questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

QUESTION #1: DEPRESSION VS. THE BLUES

I have been feeling down/blue for approx a month. I thought it was just because I’m single and everyone seems to be celebrating graduations and weddings this time of year, etc. My question is - how do I know if I’m having a bad month or if I am truly depressed? I wonder if I need something more than just a pity party? Thanks in advance. - Anonymous 

Dear Anonymous,

I am sorry you are feeling this way. But you are asking the right question. To answer it, I suggest starting by seeing your medical provider to get a more formal assessment. Low moods can be a symptom of depression or situational blues; they also can stem from issues like hormonal imbalances (e.g., menopause or hypothyroidism), nutritional deficiencies (e.g., anemia, low vitamin B12), or substances (e.g., alcohol, other sedatives).

In general, it’s time to be concerned about your mental health if your anxiety, moods, habits, or relationships with other people are:

• interfering with your quality of life or ability to function

• causing distress in other people around you

• causing emotional symptoms like preoccupying worry, nervousness, moodiness, sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in things you normally enjoy

• causing cognitive symptoms such as catastrophization, generalization, indecision (aka “analysis paralysis”), forgetfulness, difficulty with word finding or working memory, thoughts of self-harm 

• causing behavioral symptoms like anger problems, acting out, risk-taking, binge- or restrictive eating, overusing food, alcohol or other substances to self-soothe

• causing physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, weight fluctuations, heart palpitations, chest pain, gastrointestinal distress, muscle tension, headaches

As I have written about, mental health is a process. It’s not fixed. Given the multiple variables that inform one’s everyday moods, it’s important to sit down with a professional to make an assessment and get advice. 

Photo by Alex Shutin on Unsplash

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QUESTION #2: HELPING A LOVED ONE IN DISTRESS

My sister is struggling with her mental health. I am worried about her and trying to be empathetic but she is resistant to getting help. It’s as if asking for help around issues of mental health is a no-no … weak, etc. How can I educate/persuade her that it's okay and in fact a better choice to ask for help when needed? - AK

Hi AK,

I love this question.