[63M] Experiencing depression, lethargy, and feelings of disconnection

Patient Description

A 63-year-old male reports long-standing feelings of depression, lethargy, helplessness, and hopelessness. The patient describes a sense of disconnection, not feeling connected to all things, feelings of not belonging, and loneliness. These feelings come and go, but have been present for a long time. Physical activity has been mentioned as a factor that alleviates the feeling of disconnection. The patient has also expressed feelings of being tired, bored, and useless, rating the severity of lethargy as a 10 on a scale of 1-10, and stating that these feelings have been present for about 1 year. Additionally, the patient mentioned the use of illicit drugs and experiencing an injury or accident, but did not provide further details on these aspects.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, it seems like you may be experiencing symptoms of a major depressive disorder. This is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in outside stimuli, which leads to a significant impairment in daily life. It's also common to feel tired, hopeless, and disconnected.

  • Major Depressive Disorder: This is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
    • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy (talking therapy), medications, or a combination of both.

Please note that self-medication with illicit drugs can worsen your symptoms and lead to other health problems.

What you can do

  1. Seek professional help: It's important to reach out to a healthcare provider. They can provide a formal diagnosis and start you on the appropriate treatment. This could be a primary care provider or a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
  2. Reach out to others: Try to connect with friends or loved ones, even if you don't feel like it. Isolation can make feelings of depression worse.
  3. Stay active: Regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression by boosting your mood. Try to do activities you enjoy.
  4. Avoid illicit drugs: These can make depression worse and can lead to other health problems.

What you should look out for

If you're feeling suicidal, it's really important to get immediate help. You can reach out to trusted friends or family members, mental health professionals, or your local emergency department.

Remember, it's important to reach out to a healthcare provider for help. They can provide a formal diagnosis and start you on the appropriate treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

Similar Stories

[43M] Experiencing severe depression and physical symptoms

[51F] Experiencing symptoms of depression

[38F] Experiencing fatigue, detachment, and mood changes

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of major depressive disorder?

Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

How can physical activity help alleviate symptoms of depression?

Physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that improve mood. Exercise can also reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem, all of which can help reduce feelings of depression.

Why is it important to avoid illicit drugs when experiencing depression?

Illicit drugs can worsen symptoms of depression by affecting brain chemistry and can lead to additional health problems. They may also interfere with prescribed medications and treatments, making it harder to manage depression effectively.

What should someone do if they feel suicidal?

If someone feels suicidal, it is crucial to seek immediate help. They should contact a mental health professional, call a suicide hotline, or go to the nearest emergency room. Reaching out to trusted friends or family members for support is also important.

Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Similar Stories

[43M] Experiencing severe depression and physical symptoms

[51F] Experiencing symptoms of depression

[38F] Experiencing fatigue, detachment, and mood changes

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback