Feelings of worthlessness

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When people are depressed, they’re the opposite of optimistic. While it’s possible to improve your outlook, if you’re battling depression you lose hope, says Dr. Economou, and that can lead to feelings of worthlessness. “The cause for these feelings could be the result of a life event, but what I see the most is that the feeling is the result of chronic exposure to stress,” he says. After exploring the patient’s past, says Dr. Economou, he often finds the patient didn’t always battle self-doubt. “The feelings creep up on them over time and then become overwhelming—it begins to affect their lives and it becomes a stigma.” While many people believe they can get through the loss of confidence on their own, many times it is too late, explains Dr. Economou. Treatment starts with therapy, but people often need depression medication to work regain a sense of worth. “In therapy, we raise awareness for the negative thoughts so they can be diffused.” This is how your medication could be making you depressed.