5 Common Signs Of Depression To Look For
Depression is a major mental illness that can highly affect every aspect of a person’s life. Research states that there are 56,675,969 cases of depression in India in 2022, with an estimated prevalence of 4.50% and it is a problem that is only getting worse. With such a high prevalence, it is necessary to recognize the signs of depression in ourselves or others.
Depression can manifest itself in many different ways, but there are some common signs to look for. If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be depressed, keep an eye out for the five common signs discussed in this article.
There are different types of depression, and each type has its symptoms. One such is Clinical depression. It is characterized by chronic feelings of sadness, emptiness, suicidal thoughts, losing interest in activities, difficulty focusing, changes in appetite, changes in sleeping schedules, etc.
Persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia) is a less severe form of depression and lasts for at least two years. Symptoms include a depressed mood most of the time, loss of interest in usual activities, low self-esteem, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
Another type of depression is bipolar disorder. Characterized by extreme mood swings, this disorder will make the person experience periods of mania or hypomania (a less severe form of mania) followed by periods of depression. Mania is characterized by an abnormally elevated mood, increased energy and activity levels, impaired judgment, and risk-taking behaviors. Hypomania is similar to mania, but the symptoms are not as severe and do not impair functioning.
Chronic Sadness and Losing Interest In Activities
If you’re feeling persistently sad, it may be a sign of depression. Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including low mood, loss of interest in activities, and difficulties with sleep, concentration, appetite, and energy levels.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional for advice and support.
Loss of interest in activities is one of the most common signs of depression. It can be hard to motivate yourself to do things you used to enjoy when you’re feeling down. If you’re not interested in anything, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Change in Appetite or Weight
When it comes to weight changes and appetite, there are a few things to look out for when it comes to depression. First, someone who is depressed may lose interest in food and their appetite may decrease. This can lead to weight loss. Additionally, someone who is depressed may have cravings for certain foods or they may overeat. This can lead to weight gain. If you notice any changes in your loved one’s eating habits, it could be a sign of depression.
Sleep Problems and Fatigue
Several sleep problems can be signs of depression, including insomnia, hypersomnia, and disturbed sleep.
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and it can be a sign of depression. People with depression may have trouble falling asleep due to racing thoughts or worry, and they may wake up in the middle of the night and find it hard to go back to sleep. They may also wake up early in the morning and not be able to get back to sleep.
Hypersomnia is defined as excessive sleeping, and it can be a sign of depression. People with hypersomnia may sleep for long periods (10 hours or more) and still feel exhausted when they wake up. They may have difficulty staying awake during the day and may take naps that last for hours.
Disturbed sleep is another common sign of depression. People with disturbed sleep may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, but they also may experience other types of sleep disturbances such as nightmares, night terrors, or sleepwalking.
There are many different signs of depression, and fatigue is one of the most common. If you’re feeling exhausted all the time, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Depression can make it hard to concentrate, so you may find yourself feeling more tired than usual. You may also have trouble sleeping or wake up feeling exhausted.
If you’re depressed, you may not have the energy to do the things you enjoy. Even simple tasks may seem impossible. Depression can also cause physical symptoms like headaches and body aches.
Guilt or worthlessness
Depression can cause feelings of guilt or worthlessness. You may feel like you are a bad person, or that you are not good enough. These feelings can be intense and may make it hard to function in your everyday life, therefore, if you feel like you may be experiencing these feelings, make an appointment with a mental health professional doctor as soon as possible.
Concentration problems
When someone is depressed, they may have difficulty concentrating on anything other than their negative feelings. This can make it hard to carry out everyday tasks, make decisions, or remember things. If you notice that your loved one is having trouble concentrating, it could be a sign of depression.
Apart from all this, if you’re experiencing unexplained aches and pains, it could be a sign of depression. Depression can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and body aches. If you’re feeling these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor or Mental Health Professional to rule out any other potential causes.
Depression in older adults
Depression is not a normal part of aging. However, older adults are at increased risk for depression. There are many reasons for this, including social isolation, chronic health problems, and the death of loved ones.
Older adults may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Chronic feelings of sadness and emptiness
- Losing interest in activities that used to be pleasurable
- Insomnia or over-sleeping
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Fatigue or decreased energy levels
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What To Do If You Think You Are Depressed
If you’re feeling depressed, there are many things you can do to get help. The first thing you can do is talk to someone- preferably your doctor or mental health professional. They can give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
If you feel uncomfortable in front of a therapist, then you may also try to first talk to someone you love and trust. You need to share it with someone to get help.
If you know someone who is depressed and may feel shy or ashamed to talk in front of a doctor, try to assist them by talking to them and offering them non-judgemental support and advice.
Apart from these, there are some things you can do to help yourself feel better if you’re depressed. Exercise, get outside in nature, spend time with friends or family, and do things that make you happy. Try to indulge yourself once again in activities that lift your spirits and make you feel light-hearted.
There are also many self-help resources available. Reading books or articles about depression can help you understand the condition and find ways to cope. Support groups provide social and emotional support to others who are dealing with depression. And online resources can offer tips, tools, and information about treatment options.
But most of all, be patient with yourself and give yourself time, for it takes time to recover from depression.
