The Signs of Depression

What is Depression?

Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It causes a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities that persists or lasts for a long period of time.
Depression can affect a person’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. It can also cause a variety of emotional and physical problems, such as difficulty performing normal daily activities, and sometimes feeling as though life is not worth living.

Depression Symptoms to Watch Out For

Depression can affect anyone, from children to teenagers to adults. And people who have experienced abuse, weight problems, or stressful events can also trigger depression. Here are conditions that can be signs or symptoms if someone is experiencing depression:

• Feelings of sadness, wanting to cry, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Outbursts of anger, irritability, or frustration, even for small things
• loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Fatigue and lack of energy, so that even small tasks require extra effort to complete
• Decreased appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
• Constant anxiety or restlessness
• Slowed thoughts, speech, or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixated on past failures or always blaming yourself
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
• Frequent or recurring thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts or attempts to commit suicide,
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
• For many people with depression, Symptoms are usually severe enough to cause significant problems with daily activities, such as work, school, social activities, or relationships. Some people may feel miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

When to seek help for depression

If you are feeling sad, stressed, and have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, this is a condition that you should be aware of. Don't be reluctant or embarrassed to talk to someone close to you or if needed, consult a psychologist, doctor or mental health professional to get the right action and treatment.

Remember, don't underestimate mental health problems, especially depression, because this condition is not a weakness and can happen to anyone.

 

References:

Mayo Clinic (2018). Diseases & Conditions. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007

National Institute of Health (2020). MedlinePlus. Depression.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000945.htm

National Institute of Health (2018). National Institute of Mental Health. Depression.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression