Symptoms of depression – How to Treat, Causes and More

Symptoms of depression – How to Treat, Causes and More

Are you having depression ? 

Being unhappy is not the same as being depressed. Depression is a term that is often used loosely to describe how we feel after a bad week at work or when we are going through a breakup. But major depressive disorder, a type of depression, is much more complicated. There are specific symptoms that determine whether it is depression or the sadness that we all experience at times in life. Determining whether persistent and unwavering dark feelings are the result of depression can be the first step toward healing and recovery. Read these warning signs to see if it’s time for you to consult a mental health professional.

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Symptoms of depression:

1. Hopeless outlook

Major depression is a mood disorder that affects the way one feels about life in general. Having a depressed or helpless outlook on your life is the most common symptom of depression.

Other feelings may be futility, self-loathing, or unreasonable guilt. Common, recurring thoughts of depression are “all my fault,” or “what’s the matter?”

2. Lost interest

Depression can make you enjoy or enjoy the things you love. Loss of interest or withdrawal from activities that you once looked forward to – sports, hobbies, or going out with friends – is yet another telling sign of major depression. Another area where you can lose interest is sex. Symptoms of major depression include a decreased sex drive and even impotence.

3. Increased fatigue and sleep problems

The reason that you can stop doing the things you enjoy is because you feel so tired. Depression often comes with a lack of energy and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, which can be one of the most debilitating symptoms of depression. This can cause excessive sleep. Depression is also associated with insomnia, as one can be at each other and vice versa. They can also make each other worse. Lack of quality, restful sleep can also cause anxiety.

4. Anxiety

While depression has not been shown to cause anxiety, the two conditions often occur simultaneously. Symptoms of anxiety may include:

• nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense
• feelings of danger, panic, or dread
• rapid heart rate
• rapid breathing
• increased or heavy sweating
• trembling or muscle twitching
• trouble focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the thing you’re worried about

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5. Irritability in men

Depression can affect the sexes differently. Research shows that men with depression can have symptoms such as irritability, escapist or risky behavior, substance abuse, or misplaced anger. Men are also less likely than women to recognize depression or seek treatment for it.

6. Changes in appetite and weight

Weight and appetite fluctuations can occur for people with depression. This experience may be different for each person. Some people will increase their appetite and gain weight, while others will not go hungry and lose weight. An indication of whether dietary changes are related to depression is whether they are intentional or not. If they are not, it may mean that they are due to depression.

7. Uncontrollable emotions: 

One minute it was a tantrum. The next day, I screamed uncontrollably. Nothing outside of you prompts change, but your emotions rise and fall at any moment. Depression can cause mood swings.

8. Looking at death

Depression is sometimes linked to suicide. In 2013, more than 42,000 people died from suicide in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who die by suicide usually show the first symptoms.

Often people talk about it or make the first attempt before they finish their lives. If you think someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or another person:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
• Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.
• If you think someone is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Getting help: Symptoms of depression

If you’ve been experiencing some of the symptoms listed above for more than two weeks, you may have major depressive disorder. Realizing that you are depressed is essential to getting proper help. Depression affects millions of people, but there are many treatments available, from lifestyle changes to medications. Regardless of which course of treatment you choose, seeking professional help is the first step to getting back to feeling like yourself again.