Recognizing and Coping with Depression Spells

Even if you were not diagnosed with depression or if you feel that you have it under control, you can always experience depression spells. They can hit at any time, sometimes with no warning. They can hit at the most random times—during a class, at a family reunion, after an interview, during the middle of a workday, etc. Read on to find out about recognizing and dealing with depression spells before they get worse.

What Is a Depression Spell?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a spell as “a period of bodily or mental distress or disorder.” A spell lasts “an indeterminate period of time.”

Depression spells can appear like flashes of lightning--recurring and frightening. Other times, they can appear like storms--constant and relentless.

You Can Recognize a Depression Spell by Certain Symptoms

Everyone has different depression symptoms. Some of the symptoms include isolation, extreme sadness, hopelessness, dizziness, a change in appetite, and lack of interest. When you first notice these symptoms, you never know how long they will last.

Many people with major depression assume that these symptoms are signs that they need a drastic change of treatment (a medication change, more extensive therapy, etc.). However, this is not always the case. If the symptoms are short-lived (last under two weeks), they could very well be signs of a depression spell. Thus, it will probably just take time and support from your loved ones to get through it.

Depression Spells and Anxiety

When I experience depression spells, they often happen at night and are mixed with mild to severe anxiety. Most of the time, they happen after I think about negative events I experienced during the day. Sometimes I over-analyze these events so much that they would remind me of the past and/or cause me to predict the future (Letting Go of Outcomes).

Even if life is generally going well, I would suddenly fear that it would all just spiral and that I would not be able to function. For example, I fear losing a loved one. I also fear that I will never be able to afford my own place and that I will never find a future spouse. After my fears hit, the depression spell hits. I feel really sad, hopeless, or helpless and assume that nothing will ever be okay. My fears start to feel like reality.

I know that this is not a healthy way to think, but it is how my brain works. The anxiety and depression spells cause sleep deprivation and unnecessary stress. Because they would sometimes happen all night, they would feel like much more than just spells; they would feel permanent. But they are not permanent, and they do not happen every night. They usually happen after bad days and they always end by the next day.

Remember This When Coping with a Depression Spell

To relieve a depression spell when it hits at inconvenient times, it might help to have a set of positive thoughts. Some thoughts include:

• I have felt this way before. It will pass.
• This is only temporary.
• Everything will be okay.

To hear more about my experiences with depression spells and how I cope, check out the video below.

If you struggle with depression spells, I encourage you to come up with your own positive thoughts. Please share your own stories and insights in the comments.