A marriage is coming or maybe a new baby into the family or a move up to a bigger and better job; these are all things that make us happy and give us fulfillment, right? Well, it turns out that any transition can be difficult for people. There are people who are comfortable with change and do not miss a beat when there is a shift in the routine, however, those people are few and far between.
Although it is the norm to experience some challenges during times of transition, we rarely talk about it. It is expected that we handle these times with ease and look forward to the new challenge. Although that may be a part of what someone feels in those situations, there are often other feelings that go along with change as well.
Depression is a very common emotion felt during any normal life transition. It is expected to feel some depression after a death or job loss but after a new marriage? It can take people by surprise. How would you feel if your partner admitted to feeling depressed after marrying you? It is common for people to not understand what they are feeling because they simply do not associate depression with transitions that are supposed to be happy.
Depression is not necessarily feeling sad or being unable to get out of bed and function, although those can be part of the symptoms. The most common symptoms of depression are a lack of motivation, a loss of interest in things that one normally enjoys, a feeling of melancholy, and social isolation. I often hear clients say, “I am just not happy and I don’t know why”.
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Dr. Sara Denman, Lic #Psy 19808
