Depression is a serious mental disorder and can be a difficult condition to suffer from. It can manifest itself in many different ways and it’s important to be aware of the signs so you can seek help if necessary. It’s also good to know the signs in order to recognise them around and provide some type of support.
This article will discuss 11 potential depression symptoms that you may experience and can indicate that you could suffer from a form of depression. It is not meant to diagnose, but rather to offer knowledge about the symptoms of depression which may help someone recognise if they are experiencing it or not.
1. You Are Always Feeling Down
One of the most common signs that someone is depressed is that they are always feeling down. They may seem to have a cloud hanging over their heads that they can’t seem to shake. A person who is suffering from depression will often be in a constant state of sadness and hopelessness. They won’t see the good in the world or themselves.
They may feel that everyone has left them or that they are all alone in the world. They will often have a hard time getting out of bed and usually prefer to stay in their own head rather than socialise with others.
2. You Are Very Emotional
Depression can make a person very emotional. It’s not uncommon for someone to feel extremely happy one minute and then suddenly start crying because of something they read or heard. They will also have a hard time controlling their emotions and can be very easily upset and angered.
3. Unexplained Pains
Depression can cause a person to have unexplainable aches and pains. They might feel like their body is collapsing on them or that they are about to die. They will often complain of physical pain, but when doctors check them out, nothing seems wrong. A recent study on symptoms of depression shows that 69% of people who meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis first visit their doctors for unexplained aches and pains. The most common complaints include joint pain, bloating, and backaches.
4. Changes in Sleep Habits
A person who is depressed may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They may wake up during the night and not be able to go back to sleep for a long time afterwards.
5. Loss of Interest in Activities or Hobbies
A person with depression will often have a hard time doing things that they used to enjoy. They may no longer be able to concentrate or focus on the task at hand, making it difficult for them to accomplish normal tasks.
6. Feelings of Guilt and Worthlessness A person with depression will often feel guilty and worthless. They may believe that they have done something wrong or that they are not good enough.
7. Changes in Appetite
Changes in appetite can be a symptom of depression. Depression often reduces a person’s interest in food, making them lose their appetite or overeat. A person may also experience cravings for certain types of food and eat more than they normally would.
8. Difficulty Concentrating
A person with depression will often have a hard time concentrating. They may have trouble completing tasks, even simple ones. They may have difficulty making decisions, and their thoughts may be stuck in a negative loop, causing them to feel overwhelmed. Other symptoms include a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, changes in appetite and/or weight, and feelings of worthlessness.
9. Lack of Interest in the Future
When someone has lost interest in the future, it is often a sign that they are struggling with depression. This can be seen in an inability to plan for the future, feeling apathetic about their goals, and lacking motivation to pursue their dreams. It is important to talk to your loved one about how they are feeling and encourage them to seek help if needed.
10. Social Withdrawal
Someone with depression may have difficulty making or keeping friends or family relationships. This is a very common symptom of depression.
11. Fatigue
A person with depression may feel extremely tired and may have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. No matter how much they want to, it could be impossible to do anything.
Depression and anxiety
Keep in mind that depression and anxiety disorders are distinct, however persons who experience depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, including nervousness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping and focusing.
In conclusion, depression is an incredibly difficult and complex issue to deal with. The eleven signs discussed in this article are only possible indicators that someone may be dealing with depression. They are not a professional diagnose. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is important to reach out for help and support from a mental health professional.
The most important thing is to remember that depression does not have to be endured alone.
Key References
- Simon GE, Von Korff M, and Piccinelli M. et al. An international study of the relation between somatic symptoms and depression. N Engl J Med. 1999 341:658–659. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm199910283411801
No Comments