It takes more than just feeling down or having a terrible day to be depressed. You may be depressed if you have a long period of sadness that interferes with normal, everyday functioning. Recognizing that you are depressed is crucial to receiving the appropriate treatment. Here are some signs of depression to watch for:
Hopeless outlook
A lack of optimism, passion, and hope define the emotion of hopelessness. A person with no hope may frequently have no expectations for future growth or success. This is one of the most typical signs of depression. This could include self-loathing, worthlessness, or unwarranted guilt. “It’s all my fault…” or “What’s the point of living?” are two common and recurring thoughts related to this matter.
Loss of interest
Depression can make the things you love less fun or enjoyable. Major depression can also cause you to lose interest in or stop doing things you used to enjoy, like sports, hobbies, or going out with friends.
Anxiety
Although it hasn’t been demonstrated that anxiety causes depression, the two diseases frequently coexist. Anxiety symptoms might include:
- Anxiousness, agitation, or a sense of tension
- Sensations of dread, fear, or danger
- Quick heartbeat
- Quickly breathing
- Increased or profuse perspiration
- Muscular trembling or twitching
- Difficulty paying attention to or thinking clearly about anything but the issue you’re worried about
Increased weariness and sleeping difficulty
You may quit doing things you enjoy because you feel too exhausted. One of the most incapacitating symptoms of depression is extreme exhaustion, which is frequently accompanied by a lack of energy. This could result in oversleeping. Insomnia and depression are related, as one condition can cause the other and vice versa. They might worsen one another as well. Anxiety might also result from a lack of restful sleep.
Appetite and weight changes
For those with depression, their weight and appetite can change. Every individual’s experience with this can be unique. Others won’t feel hungry and lose weight, while some people will have a greater appetite and gain weight. If dietary changes are unintentional or intentional, that could be a sign that depression is involved. If they are, it might indicate that depression is their root.
Irritability, especially among men
The effects of depression vary between the sexes. According to research, men who are depressed may exhibit signs including impatience, risky or escapist behavior, substance addiction, or inappropriate aggression. Compared to women, men are also less likely to notice depression or seek therapy.
Difficulty in anger management
This could be having angry outbursts for a moment. For instance, you suddenly start sobbing uncontrollably. Your emotions are constantly fluctuating despite the absence of any external influence. Mood fluctuations may result from depression.
Suicide
Most suicides are caused by severe depression, most of which are associated with mental diseases. The following are red flags indicating a depressed person may be contemplating suicide:
- Making final preparations, such as donating items, creating a will, or bidding friends farewell.
- Talking about suicide or death can be as straightforward as “I wish I were dead,” but depressed individuals frequently use statements like “I think dead people must be happier than us” or “Wouldn’t it be lovely to go to sleep and never wake up” to broach the issue.
- Cutting their arms or legs or lighting cigarettes to burn themselves.
- Rapid uptick in mood, which could indicate that someone has made a decision.
Takeaway
Depression affects millions of people, but there are a variety of treatments available, including lifestyle modifications and medication. You may also manage your mental disease remotely using Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring. Regardless of the treatment option chosen, seeking professional assistance is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
References:
- (2022, May 19). Depression and Anxiety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Retrieved July 22, 2022, at www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html
- “Behaviors in Men That Could Be Signs of Depression.” Mayo Clinic, 21 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-depression/MC00041.
