The Owen Clinic consists of Christian Counselors. When we hire Clinical Psychotherapists we pride ourselves on Clinical training and awareness. Our clinicians are recognized by the state board of health and by most insurance companies and treat clinical issues addressed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM). Our Clinicians use a wide range of therapy modalities for the vast range of issues that you may see. We are prepared to treat symptoms and diagnose clinical issues.
Monday, December 29, 2025
Signs of Depression and How to Get Help
Signs of Depression and Getting Help
Depression is more than a few bad days. It can affect mood, sleep, energy, work, school, and relationships. This article explains common signs of depression, how to tell when it is a serious concern, and clear steps for getting help in Edmond, Oklahoma, and across the state, including how to contact Owen Clinic.
Why recognizing depression early matters
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. National surveys show that millions of adults in the United States experience depressive symptoms every year. Many people also report that depression affects their ability to work, care for family, and enjoy life.
The encouraging news is that depression is treatable. Counseling, medication when needed, and lifestyle support can reduce symptoms and help a person feel more like themselves again. The challenge is that depression often builds slowly. Changes in sleep, appetite, or motivation can be easy to brush off until daily life starts to feel harder and harder.
Recognizing warning signs early helps a person get support before symptoms deepen. Families, churches, schools, and workplaces that understand these signs are also better able to encourage loved ones and coworkers to reach out for help.
What is depression?
Depression is a medical condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions. It is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It can affect people of any age, background, income level, or faith.
Common types of depression include:
Major depression - Strong symptoms that last at least two weeks and interfere with daily life.
Persistent depressive disorder - Less intense but long-lasting symptoms, often for two years or more.
Seasonal depression - Depressive symptoms that show up during certain seasons, often fall and winter.
Perinatal or postpartum depression - Depression during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Depression linked with other conditions - For example, with anxiety, chronic pain, or substance use.
These conditions share many features, but each person’s experience is unique. Some people feel mostly sad and tearful. Others feel numb, irritable, or on edge more than “sad.”
Common signs of depression
Emotional and thinking changes
Depression affects thoughts and emotions in many ways. Common signs include feeling sad, empty, or down most of the day, nearly every day. Many people lose interest in activities that used to feel enjoyable, such as hobbies, sports, worship, or time with friends.
Thoughts may become more negative. A person might feel hopeless about the future or believe that nothing will ever improve. Some people feel intense guilt or shame, even when they have not done anything wrong. Harsh self-criticism is common, along with thoughts like “I am a burden” or “I can’t do anything right.”
Concentration and memory can suffer. Reading, driving, schoolwork, or detailed tasks at work may feel harder. Decisions, even small ones, may feel overwhelming.
Physical and sleep changes
Depression is not just “in the head.” It affects the body too. Appetite may increase or decrease. Some people notice weight gain; others lose weight without trying. Headaches, stomach issues, muscle tension, and general aches and pains are common, even when medical tests look normal.
Sleep problems are a significant sign. Some people struggle to fall asleep or wake up in the early hours and cannot return to sleep. Others sleep more than usual but still feel tired and drained. Restless sleep, vivid dreams, or waking up unrefreshed can all be related to depression.
Behavior and daily life
Over time, depression can change how a person behaves. A usually social person may start turning down invitations or staying in their room more often. Chores pile up. Tasks like showering, laundry, or opening mail can feel overwhelming.
At school or work, performance may drop. Assignments are turned in late, deadlines are missed, or sick days become more frequent. A person may arrive late, leave early, or struggle to meet usual expectations.
Some people turn to alcohol, nicotine, or other substances to numb emotional pain. This can create more problems, including health concerns, conflict at home, or issues at work.
Serious warning signs
Any thoughts about self-harm or suicide need to be taken very seriously. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, saying others would be better off without them, giving away important belongings, or suddenly acting very calm after a period of severe distress.
If there is any safety concern, it is essential to seek immediate help by calling 911 in an emergency, or by contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7 by call or text.
Local insight: Depression support in Edmond, Oklahoma
People in Edmond and the greater Oklahoma City area have access to several kinds of mental health support. These include private counseling practices, medical clinics, hospitals, and community mental health centers. Many churches and faith communities also encourage members to seek mental health care while staying connected spiritually.
Owen Clinic provides counseling services that include support for depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship difficulties. Services are available for adults, teenagers, children, couples, and families. Christian counseling is also available for those who want their faith to be part of the counseling process.
Here is the map location for the Edmond office:
Local care can make a big difference. Short travel times, familiarity with the community, and an understanding of Oklahoma culture and values often help people feel more comfortable opening up during sessions.
When sadness may be more than a rough week
Sadness is part of life. Grief after a loss, stress during significant changes, and disappointment can all cause strong feelings. These experiences are everyday. Depression is different. It lasts longer, affects more parts of life, and often feels heavier or more stuck than regular sadness.
Some signs that sadness may have become depression include symptoms lasting at least two weeks, most of the day, almost every day. There are changes in several areas at once, such as mood, sleep, appetite, energy, interest in activities, and concentration. Daily routines become harder, and it feels difficult to keep up with usual responsibilities.
Professional mental health providers use diagnostic guidelines to identify depression, but a person does not have to “fit the textbook” to deserve help. If life feels consistently overwhelming, empty, or hopeless, that alone is a valid reason to speak with a counselor or medical provider.
How to get help for depression
Simple steps to start the process
When someone feels depressed, even small tasks can feel like climbing a hill. Breaking the process into clear steps can make it easier to begin:
Could you talk with a medical provider? A family doctor, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner can screen for depression and rule out physical causes.
Could you schedule a counseling session? A licensed counselor, psychologist, or clinical social worker can provide talk therapy and practical tools.
Could you ask about insurance or payment options? Many clinics accept various insurance plans and offer private pay or other arrangements.
Could you invite support from someone trusted? A friend or family member can help with phone calls, forms, and transportation.
You can use crisis resources whenever you need them. In a crisis, calling or texting 988 connects to trained counselors any time, day or night.
Taking even one of these steps is progress. Many people feel some relief as soon as an appointment is on the calendar, because they know help is on the way.
Professional help in Edmond and across Oklahoma
Evidence-based counseling approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, have been shown to reduce depressive symptoms for many people. These approaches help clients notice unhelpful thought patterns, build healthy coping skills, and improve relationships.
For some individuals, medication prescribed by a physician, psychiatrist, or other qualified prescriber can also help balance brain chemistry and ease symptoms. Medication is often combined with counseling, especially when depression is moderate or severe.
In the Edmond and Oklahoma City area, options include in-person counseling in office settings and secure online sessions by video or phone. Online therapy can be invaluable for people who live farther from town, have busy schedules, or face physical or transportation barriers.
Faith and mental health
Many people in Oklahoma draw strength from Christian faith and community. For those who prefer this approach, Christian counseling offers space to address depression while also exploring spiritual questions, scripture, prayer, and faith practices. This can be especially meaningful when depression affects how a person feels about church, prayer, or their relationship with God.
Owen Clinic offers Christian counseling along with general mental health counseling. Sessions can focus on emotional, relational, and spiritual concerns in a balanced way, guided by the client’s comfort and preferences.
Call to action:
Owen Clinic
14 East Ayers Street, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034
405-655-5180
405-740-1249
https://www.owenclinic.net 405-740-1249 and 405-655-5180
Common questions around signs of depression and getting help in Edmond, OK
What are the early signs of depression that people often overlook?
Early depression does not always look like deep sadness. Some people feel more irritable or easily frustrated. Small tasks feel harder and take longer. A person might cancel plans more often or feel mentally “checked out.” Changes in sleep and energy, such as feeling unusually tired or wired, can also appear early on.
When should someone in Edmond see a counselor for possible depression?
It is a good idea to contact a counselor anytime symptoms begin to affect daily life. If low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty functioning last more than two weeks, professional support can help. Immediate help is essential if there are thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming others.
Can depression improve without treatment?
Mild symptoms may ease over time for some people, especially if stress levels drop and support is strong. However, many people continue to struggle longer than they need to when they try to manage on their own. Untreated depression can affect physical health, relationships, school, and work. Counseling, healthy routines, and medical care can shorten episodes and lower the chance of symptoms returning.
How can family and friends support someone who might be depressed?
Support works best when it is patient, kind, and practical. Listening without judgment, checking in often, and offering help with daily tasks can make a big difference. Asking direct but gentle questions about mood and safety can open the door to honest conversation. Encouraging the person to attend medical and counseling appointments, and offering to drive or sit in the waiting room, may also help.
What should someone in Oklahoma do during a mental health crisis?
If there is immediate danger, calling 911 is the fastest way to reach emergency help. If there is severe emotional distress or suicidal thoughts but no current physical danger, calling or texting 988 connects to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors can provide support, help create a safety plan, and direct callers to local resources in Oklahoma. After a crisis, follow-up counseling and medical care are necessary steps toward recovery.
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Depression, mental health, counseling, Edmond, Oklahoma, Christian counseling
Signs of depression, depression symptoms, how to get help for depression, Edmond, OK counseling, Owen Clinic Edmond, Christian depression counseling, therapy for depression in Oklahoma, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
No comments:
Post a Comment