Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when you are feeling emotions such as hopelessness and despair that just won’t go away, you may have depression.
It can be nerve wracking to think about being diagnosed with depression but it can be easily treated, as long as you have a good mental health professional,
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be a part of life’s normal lows. But the more severe the symptoms the more likely it is you are dealing with depression.
Here are some warning signs to see if it is time for you to see a mental health professional:
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. To put it bleakly- Nothing will ever get better and there is nothing you can do to fix your situation.
- Loss of interest in daily activities. Depression can take the pleasure and enjoyment out of things you love. A loss of interest or withdrawal from activities that you once looked forward to – sports, hobbies, or going out with friends – is another sign of major depression. It is also common to lose interest in sex.
- Appetite or weight changes. Weight and appetite can fluctuate for people with depression. It is different for every individual. Some people will experience an increased appetite and gain weight, while others will not be hungry and lose weight.
- Increased fatigue or sleep problems. Depression comes with a lack of energy and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, which can be the most debilitating symptom of depression. This can lead to excessive sleeping. Depression is also linked with insomnia or vice versa. They can also make each other worse. And potentially lead to an individual having anxiety.
- Anxiety. Even though depression has not been shown to cause anxiety the two often go hand and hand with each other.
- Irritability in men. Depression can affect the sexes differently. However,research has shown that men with depression often have symptoms of irritability, risky behavior, substance abuse, or misplaced anger.
- Uncontrollable emotions. Depression can cause mood swings. One minute it is an outburst of excitement. The next you are crying uncontrollably.
- Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, or physically drained. Your entire body might feel heavy, and even small tasks seem impossible to complete.
- Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
- Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
- Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
Symptoms of anxiety experienced may include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense
- Feelings of danger, panic, or death,
- Increased or heavy sweating
- Trouble focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than what you are worried about
Depression is also a major risk factor for suicide. Someone that is having feelings of deep despair and hopelessness might feel that suicide is the only way to escape the pain. If you have a loved one dealing with depression, please take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously and watch for the warning signs.
- Talking about killing or harming oneself.
- Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped.
- An unusual preoccupation with death or dying.
- Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights).
- Calling or visiting people to say goodbye.
- Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends).
- Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me,” or “I want out.”
- A sudden switch from being extremely down to acting calm and happy.
These warning signs are not to be taken lightly, if you or someone you know is showing symptoms of depression please help them seek treatment from a mental health professional.
This post was written by Hana Hollenbeck, a psychology major at SUNY Cortland, and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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