Depression is not only one of the most common mental health disorders in the world, it is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting millions upon millions of people. Symptoms of persistent sadness, however, can be easily chalked off as situational or seasonal, preventing many from seeking the professional help they so need. If you are feeing sad or depressed, check yourself for the following lesser-know symptoms of depression—their presence may help you make the decision to seek professional help and find hope:

  1. Appetite changes and weight loss or gain. Many people use food as an emotional support, causing them to gain weight when feeling depressed. Likewise, depression can also decrease an individual’s appetite, thus rapid weight loss is another sign of depression to watch for.
  2. Sleeping too much or too little. This is another sign of depression. Depression can lead to insomnia, and, according to the National Sleep Foundation, those with insomnia are 10x more likely to develop clinical depression.
  3. Alcohol and drug abuse. Many depressed people turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with their feelings.
  4. Fatigue. Feeling tired goes hand-in-hand with feeling depressed. Depressed individuals often feel tired all day, regardless of how much sleep they got, and their fatigue stays with them throughout all daily activities.
  5. Faking a smile. Feeling like you constantly have to “fake happy” in the presence of others is a sign of a bigger mental health issue.
  6. Low libido. If you used to enjoy sex, but are disinterested lately, this could be a sign of depression.
  7. Loss of interest. Feeling unmotivated to engage in the activities you once enjoyed—or to do anything active at all— is a major sign of depression.

If any of these above symptoms are present in your daily life, there is hope. First, the simple act of reducing stress, getting enough exercise and sleep, and having a strong social support system in place can help dramatically. However, professional input is always recommended. Schedule an appointment with a therapist, or your primary care physician. These professionals will help you understand your symptoms and determine the proper course of action towards overcoming them.

If you suffer from clinical depression and have tried everything to no avail, ask your doctor or mental healthcare provider about ketamine infusions. Ketamine is up to 70% effective for the treatment of depression, and works rapidly. We’ve seen it change lives…could yours be one of them?

Contact Kismet Ketamine

In Baton Rouge, LA, Kismet Ketamine provides ketamine infusions for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. If you are suffering, or know someone who could use some light in their life, contact us for more information about ketamine infusions for depression. Our clinical staff will answer your questions, address your concerns, and point you in the right direction.