The Major Symptom of a Quarter Life Crisis

Not sure what a "Quart Life Crisis" Is? Before you read what's below, start here--> read this!

I personally know that depression can be a major side-effect to the Quarter Life Crisis. Yes, that does exist.  It's a time from our late teens to our early thirties when many of us can feel stuck, having to "pay our dues" and sometimes realizing that what we thought we wanted in life, is no longer what we want. Still not sure you buy into the whole "quarter life crisis" thing? Check out the 2009 Washington Post article, Hard Times Can Be Troubling Even for Those Too Young for a Midlife Crisis.

According to Mental Health America, depression occurs most frequently in women ages 25-44. For us 20somethings, depression can creep up as we leave college and enter the workforce, the new presence of emands and challenges that can seem overwhelming, the ending "lifelong" friendships, and even a constant stream of bad dates and boyfriends/girlfriends. Some of us may have a "blue" day every once in awhile, but then there are others who might feel down for a long time--weeks, months, even years if help is not seeked.  According to the Center for Young Women's Health, "depression is a psychological condition that affects your feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. You may have feelings of sadness or irritability, a lack of energy, trouble sleeping, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, or unhappy thoughts about yourself or your life. You may even feel that your life is not worth living, or think about hurting yourself. Depression can also affect you physically: you can have aches and pains all over, or in specific areas such as your stomach. You may have headaches, trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating."

How do you know if you are depressed? If you have a few of these symptoms, you should contact your primary care physician who can officially diagnose you:

• Feeling sad and/or empty.
• No long enjoying the activities you used to enjoy.
• Feeling irritated at everything, even the little things that never bothered you before.
• Tired and/or a lack of energy.
• Eating very little or eating too much.
• Always sleeping or staying awake at night constantly worrying.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Being super negative about yourself, including getting irritated when you receive a compliment.
• Feelings of hoplesness.
• Having thoughts that you no longer want to live, wanting to hurt yourself, or have tried to hurt yourself. *If you can relate to this bullet, I urge you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifelife:  1-800-273-8255.

If you are able to relate to two or more of the symptoms below, don't hesitate to reach out to a family member, friend, and especially a health professional and let them know you need help. You'll be surprised that many other 20something women go through depression and can relate to how you feel. In fact, helping others is a great method to pull someone out of depression. So speaking up and asking someone for help could also allow you to help someone else.

Bottom line: If you think you're depressed, talk to someone you can trust and seek the help of a professionals. The sooner you make an effort to get help, the sooner you can life a long happy life. Our 20s is a time where we can explore life, learn more about ourselves, and create happy memories.