Depression is more common that some might think. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, approximately 9.5% of American adults will suffer from a depressive illness each year.
It’s natural to feel down or anxious from time to time. However, prolonged feelings of hopelessness and despair could be a sign of something more. When these emotions grab hold, and won’t let go, it is likely you may have depression. Depression makes every day a constant challenge. You no longer enjoy life as you once did. Just getting out of bed can feel overwhelming.
But, through education, therapy, and sometimes medication, you can find relief from depression and get back to the life you were meant to live.
If you’re unsure of whether you are suffering from depression, read on to learn common signs and symptoms of depression.
SIGNS OF DEPRESSION
How can you tell if you are depressed? It may seem like an odd question, but a surprising number of people do not recognize that they may be suffering from depression. While some signs are obvious, others can be subtle.
Every individual will manifest symptoms in a different way, so it’s important to recognize any changes in your behavior. With this in mind, here are some signs you might be struggling with depression.
Clinical Symptoms of Depression
For a diagnosis of depression, the time requirement states that symptoms have been present for two or more weeks.
Feeling sad most of the day, nearly every day
Feeling a sense of hopelessness
Fatigue or lack of energy
Lack of interest or pleasure in activities / Loss of motivation
Irritability
Appetite or weight change
Sleep disturbance (trouble getting to sleep, trouble staying asleep, or sleeping too much)
Moving or talking more slowly, or more quickly, than normal
Feeling restless or fidgeting
Decreased ability to focus, remember, or make decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Thoughts of suicide or death, or attempting to end one’s life
All symptoms are not experienced by every individual, some may only experience a few of the symptoms listed above. The frequency and severity to which one experiences symptoms will also vary from one individual to the next, and without treatment may worsen over time.
Additional Signs of Depression
Anger & Irritability
It has been said that anger is depression turned inward. If you suddenly find yourself with a short fuse, and things that used to not bother you now cause you to fly off the handle, it may be a sign you need some help.
Physical Ailments
Many people don’t realize that depression can manifest itself physically. It is common for sufferers to feel sick to their stomach with whole body aches. Some may find they seem to have a cold or flu that won’t go away, while others may notice their chronic conditions, such as arthritis, are exacerbated by depression.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION
Any one of the following could contribute to some developing depression.
Trauma
Stress
Physical illness
Medications
Individual or family history
Life changes
Low self-esteem
Biochemistry: Certain chemicals in the brain may be off balance contributing to depression
Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.
What can you do about it?
Seek treatment from a mental health professional
Consider the possibility that medication might be helpful, at least temporarily
Increase exercise
Talk to friends or family
Make a conscious effort not to isolate yourself from others
Get outdoors – get some fresh air and sunlight
Eat nutritious foods
It is important to recognize these signs and symptoms so you may seek treatment as soon as possible. While depression may feel like a life sentence, reaching out for help will put you on the path toward healing and peace once again.
If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.
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