The term depression refers to a mood disorder that invokes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in most things. Depression is more than just your weekly Monday blues. Many people think that it is just a state that you can ‘snap out’ of, but it is much more complicated and debilitating. It can severely impact the way you think, behave, and feel – causing a multitude of serious physical and emotional problems in the long run.
Each individual experiences depression differently; some may only face one phase of depression in their lives, while others might have to endure a lifetime of depressive episodes or may be on long-term treatments and medication to cope. Regardless, depression can bring about a long list of immobilising symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about depression symptoms.
Feelings. So Many Feelings.
You may find yourself feeling constantly sad, melancholic, and demotivated, which is often accompanied by a sense of emptiness, hopelessness, and desolation, just soon after. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and a tendency to self-blame or fixate on past failures, may also arise.
Sudden Outbursts
It is possible for you experience sudden angry outbursts, irritability from just about everyone and everything, an overwhelming sense of frustration over the tiniest of matters and of course, the sudden urge to just smash or break something.
Sleep and Energy Fluctuations
Insomnia is a common symptom of depression. Depressed individuals may find it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, wake up in the morning – they might even sleep way too much. This disturbance in their sleeping habits, will quickly start to affect their energy for the day. They may feel very weak and tired, and it can also be extremely difficult for them to find the energy to complete even the smallest of tasks.
Suicide
Recurring and frequent thoughts of suicide and death can be a little more difficult to shake off for depressed individuals, who see it as a means to an end. Suicide attempts are also considered a cry for help.
Anxiety
Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand, causing the individual to feel agitated, restless, on edge. This can also lead to them having difficulty concentrating, making decisions, slowed or interrupted thinking, and trouble remembering things.
Loss of Interest
Depression can cause a loss of interest in most normal activities – hobbies, sports, work, sex, and so forth. This can also affect one’s food habits, leading to reduced appetite, increased cravings for certain foods, weight loss or weight gain. Straying away from these activities and habits can negatively impact physical health, causing issues such as back pains, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and so forth.
Depression and its symptoms can be very detrimental to the health of an individual and should be monitored closely, to avoid escalating and exacerbating the situation. These symptoms are usually also quite noticeable so if you are feeling depressed, or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out and ask for help here.
