Social Isolation & Depression
We all feel blue or down at times – It’s a normal part of the ups and downs of life. Whether you live alone or with others while we are sheltering in place, you may be experiencing these low points more often. Reaching out to your support system and utilizing your coping strategies may be all you need to feel better. However, if feeling better is still difficult, reach out for professional help.
What is Depression?
Depression changes how you think, feel, and function in daily activities. It's more than just sadness in response to life’s struggles and setbacks. It can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life. Just trying to get through the day can be overwhelming.
Common Symptoms of Depression
- Sleep changes - Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness - A bleak outlook on life or your situation.
- Appetite or weight changes - Loss of appetite or over eating for comfort.
- Loss of energy - Feeling fatigued, sluggish, physically drained.
- Concentration problems - Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Anger or irritability - Your tolerance level is low, and your temper is shorter than usual.
- Self-medication - By drinking more alcohol or using drugs to escape.
- Loss of interest - You care less or not at all about hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You have difficulty feeling joy or pleasure.
If you or someone you know has some of these symptoms, it is time to reach out for help.
Warning Signs to Get Help
Sometimes depression can lead to a place of despair where a person feels as if they don’t have a way out. This can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. Behaviors that may imply risk of harm to self or others should always be taken seriously.
If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, reach out for help right away.
- Talking about
- wanting to die or to kill oneself
- feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- being a burden to others
- Withdrawing or isolating oneself
- All of a sudden giving away meaningful possessions
What You Can Do Now
Take a Self Assessment:
Check out some tips/resources:
- Take an active role in suicide prevention. Know the signs, find the words and learn how to reach out at www.suicideispreventable.org.
- Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak.
- There are different types of depressive disorders, and while there are many similarities among them, each depressive disorder has its own unique set of symptoms. Learn more HERE.
- Stay connected with others during this time of physical distancing
For more information on depression, click HERE.
Ask for Help Now
Don't wait, get help even if you want a consultation to ask questions for yourself or someone you are concerned about.
- National Suicide Prevention
- Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. This is a free 24-hour hotline answered by the certified crisis center nearest to your area code.
- 24/7 FREE Tele-Counseling: EAP Counselors are available for individual confidential telephone counseling and consultations for active employees. Call: (628) 652-4600 or (800) 795-2351
- Mental Health Benefits through your Health Plan