Key Signs It’s Time to Consult a Doctor
It is crucial to understand the difference between the normal sadness of empty nest syndrome and the clinical symptoms of depression or anxiety. While feeling down for a few weeks is common during a major life transition, certain signs indicate that it’s time to seek professional medical advice. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and help is available.
Please consult your doctor or a mental health professional if you experience several of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:
- Persistent Low Mood: An ongoing feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that doesn’t lift, even during activities you used to enjoy.
- Loss of Interest or Pleasure: A lack of interest in hobbies, social activities, and other pursuits that once brought you joy (a symptom known as anhedonia).
- Significant Changes in Sleep or Appetite: This can include insomnia, sleeping much more than usual, a loss of appetite, or overeating, often leading to noticeable weight changes.
- Constant Fatigue or Lack of Energy: Feeling physically and emotionally drained most of the time, making it difficult to complete even simple daily tasks.
- Feelings of Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt: Harboring strong feelings of self-blame, or feeling as though you are a burden to others.
- Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Trouble focusing, remembering things, or making choices that were once easy for you.
- Increased Irritability or Restlessness: Feeling agitated, on edge, or easily frustrated more often than usual.
- Thoughts of Self-Harm: Any thoughts about harming yourself or believing that life is not worth living are a medical emergency. If you are having these thoughts, please seek help immediately by calling or texting 988 in the United States.
These symptoms are not a normal part of aging or a phase you simply have to “get through.” They are signs of a treatable medical condition. Your primary care physician is an excellent first point of contact. They can screen you for depression and refer you to a qualified therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. For mental health support, consult the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
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