Depression Symptoms
If you have depression, you could be suffering from several symptoms. These symptoms can include sadness and despair. They can also include physical issues, such as headaches or stomach pain.
If you have depression, you could benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy with a mental health professional) or medication. Sometimes both are used in combination.
Feelings of despair and sadness
A feeling of sadness or despair is a common sign of depression. This is not the "blues," which everyone often experiences, nor a temporary low-spirited mood that may be a result of a stressful event in life, like the loss of a beloved on or the loss of a job. Even when they are not in crisis, people with depression often feel hopeless and sad.
Certain people may not have fun with social activities, hobbies or work. This inability to feel pleasure is called anhedonia. They don't believe that things will improve. These feelings can result in thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If this happens, the person must seek immediate help.
People with depression are more likely to blame themselves for their negative feelings and feel guilty for things they've done or said. Brain fog is another sign of depression that can cause them to have difficulty remembering things.
It is essential to consult a doctor or mental health specialist to receive an assessment for depression. The symptoms of depression vary for everyone. However, they tend to happen almost every day for longer than two weeks. The doctor will ask questions and do an examination of the body. The doctor will also review a patient's medical history and family background. A blood test may be ordered to rule-out a medical cause of the symptoms, such as a thyroid issue. Treatment for depression may include medicine, psychotherapy, or both. Depression is treatable but it can take a while to heal. It is essential to adhere to the treatment plan you have established if you suffer from depression.
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Depression can influence your thinking and behavior. This can cause you to be unable to focus on important things. You may also experience difficulty making decisions and might not be able to find the right words or speak to yourself clearly. Depression can cause a lot of anxiety and may lead to feelings of hopelessness or a sense of helplessness. However, you can take steps to overcome your depression.
It's normal to feel down in the dumps occasionally However, to be diagnosed with clinical depression, you must have five or more of these symptoms every day for a period of two weeks. Your mental health professional will also have to rule out other possible causes of these symptoms, such as an illness of the body or drug use.
People with depression are more likely to face problems in relationships and at school or work. Depression can also cause other mental and health problems like fatigue, headaches, back pain, and stomachaches. It increases your risk of suicide.
Depression is more common among women than men, but anyone can get it. Certain people are at higher risk, for instance, those who have suffered serious losses or traumatic events, those who've suffered heart attacks or strokes and those suffering from certain medical conditions, like chronic illness, Parkinson's disease and thyroid disorder. Certain studies suggest that changes in the structure of the brain can contribute to depression, especially in the frontal lobe.
Depression in teenagers is also an increasing issue. Numerous factors can affect the mood of teenagers including friendships, family, and changes in culture. Some teenagers get depressed after they attend college. They are exposed to new ways of life and experiences.
Oversleeping or having trouble sleeping
For people who suffer from depression, it can feel difficult to sleep because their minds are constantly active and anxious. For others they experience the opposite: they sleep too much because they are exhausted. It is important to get assistance if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks. Depression is treatable with psychological therapy or medication. The most effective treatment for depression is the combination of medication and therapy. Anyone of any age may experience mood swings. It is more prevalent in those who have a history of mental illness or depression. Communities with a high level of stress are also susceptible. This includes African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Depression is a complicated illness and it can be difficult to pinpoint the causes. Certain types of depression are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Other types seem to be prevalent in families. Depression can be caused by a life event, like a death or divorce. It could also be triggered by a physical issue like an injury or a condition.
Depression can also affect one's appetite, causing weight increase or loss. It can also make someone more stressed. It can also cause physical pain such as back or joint discomfort, digestive issues and sleep issues. People suffering from depression may also have slowed movements and speech. In some instances, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact a crisis hotline or suicide helpline right away if you suspect someone close to you may be contemplating suicide. It's important to remain with them and find professional help for them, such as a spiritual leader or minister from their faith group.
A lack of interest or enjoyment in many activities
Depression is a mood disorder that affects how you think, feel and act. It can create a constant sense of sadness and hopelessness which makes it difficult to engage in the activities you used enjoy. It also affects your appetite, sleep, and energy levels. You may feel angry or angry and may even have thoughts of suicide. Depression can strike at any age. It is treated with therapy or medication.
Depression can begin after a difficult event in life, such as the loss of a job, divorce, or death of a close relative. However, it is also possible to experience depression that does not have a cause, which is known as situational depression. This is more prevalent among teens. The symptoms are usually temporary and improve over time.
People with depression may experience trouble in concentrating and making decisions, or being in an uneasy mood throughout the day. They may lose interest or enthusiasm for a variety of things, including social activities, hobbies, and even sex. They may sleep too much or not enough. They may feel guilt or a sense of worthlessness, and a depressing outlook on life, or feel that nothing is going to change. The symptoms are present all the time, for at most two full weeks.
The symptoms vary from one person to another, and everyone has occasional moments of sadness or "blues." To be diagnosed with depression that is clinical, your feelings must last most of the day for more than two weeks and interfere with daily life and relationships. Both genders suffer from depression in different ways. Some people suffering from depression do not seek treatment. They may not be aware that their symptoms are caused by depression, and instead blame their anger or agitation on work or relationship issues or engage in risky behaviors like drinking a lot of alcohol.
The thought of suicide or death
Although only a small proportion of people who consider suicide commit suicide however, the thoughts are extremely serious and should not be dismissed lightly. They can lead someone to do things which could lead to injury or death. For instance driving recklessly, or letting go of valuable possessions. They may also make plans for how they will end up dying or trying to kill themselves like creating a weapon or organizing an opportunity to leave a message for loved ones.
These thoughts are typically linked to depression, but they can also occur without the diagnosis of depression. They are more frequent in those who have a history or abuse, and also in those who don't have close relationships. They are more common among women than men, and can begin at any time.
Depression can be caused by a range of factors, including certain medications such as adrenal gland issues or thyroid or other diseases. However, manic depression symptoms may be unrelated to any reason for it and can develop gradually over a period of weeks or months. People suffering from depression might feel depressed and hopeless, and lose interest in activities that were once enjoyable for them. They might be unable to concentrate, have difficulty sleeping, or feel guilt or apathetic.
Depression can make people feel hopeless and isolated. They may not realize that there are others who take care of them. This includes family and friends, teachers, pastors and faith leaders as well as community members. It is possible to help the family member or friend who is contemplating suicide by staying with them and encourage them to seek professional help. They can also dial 911 or a local emergency number and remain with them until assistance arrives.