It’s completely normal to feel down or anxious from time to time. Ups and downs are a normal part of being human. However, what’s not normal is prolonged feelings of hopelessness and despair. These may be signs and symptoms of depression.
When feelings of hopelessness and despair grab hold, and won’t let go, it is quite likely that what you are experiencing are signs and symptoms of depression.
Depression makes daily activities a persistent challenge. You no longer enjoy life as you once did. Simple and routine activities such as getting out of bed can feel overwhelming – they no longer feel simple.
But, through the right supports, you can get back to the life you want and deserve. It’s possible.
Videos About Signs and Symptoms of Depression
In recognition that for some people reading can be difficult when experiencing depression, here are a 2 very helpful videos you could watch:
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
How can you tell if you are struggling with depression? This may seem like an odd question, but many people don’t recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, and thereby don’t recognize when they are suffering from depression. This is not surprising since not all the signs and symptoms of depression are obvious and easy to detect. In other words, while some signs and symptoms are obvious, others can be subtle.
Each individual will experience depression symptoms in a different way, so it’s important to recognize any changes in your behaviour. With this in mind, here are signs and symptoms you might be struggling with depression.
Please note that not all of these symptoms have to be present in depression, and neither are these symptoms a sure sign of depression on their own. Professionals will typically look at a combination of signs of symptoms of depression to determine whether what you are going through is indeed depression.
The Following Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Signs and Symptoms of Depression #1: Feelings of Hopelessness
You used to be filled with optimism about life. But for reasons that seem mysterious, you now feel hopeless about today, tomorrow, and thoughts of the future are just daunting. It’s exhausting to just live in this moment, never mind thinking of what the future may hold. Your friends and family can tell you about all the good things in your life, but you just can’t connect with their optimism, or even if you can connect with it briefly, your optimism is fleeting – it just doesn’t stick.
Feelings of hopelessness can be a sign that you are struggling with depression.
#2: Loss of Interest in Things You Used to Enjoy
It’s quite common for depression sufferers to experience a loss of joy in the things they used to enjoy.
Perhaps you used to enjoy reading books, gardening, going for walks, playing with your kids… but no matter how hard you try, there is little or no joy in those activities now. This can be a sign that you are suffering from depression, and that you may need to seek professional help.
#3: Changes in Appetite
Depression can affect individuals in different ways. Some people may find they have no appetite at all and, before long, lose a significant amount of weight. Others may find their desire for food increases and they gain weight.
It’s quite common to interpret these changes as a simple stress response, and it often is. Truth is, it can be difficult to distinguish stress from depression. And, stressful situations can sometimes develop into depression. It’s important to pay attention to any changes in your appetite, and if this experience persists over a longer than normal period of time, even beyond the initial stress triggers, it’s important to consider at which point these signs have developed beyond a temporary stress response.
#4: Changes in Sleep Cycle
As with a person’s appetite, the changes to one’s sleep cycle also tend to go in one of two directions. You may notice you feel lethargic and want nothing more than to sleep all day. Then again, you may find you can’t fall asleep and are restless all night long.
Lack of sleep and rest can also lead to other health problems, which is part of the reason it’s so important to pay attention to any changes in your sleep cycles.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression #5: Anger and Irritability
It has been said that depression is anger turned inward. While we now know that to be an oversimplification at best, and while depression is certainly not the only reason you may be struggling with an increase in anger, it’s important to pay attention to changes in your mood. 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.
#6: 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.
Other Signs of and Symptoms of Depression May Include:
- Indecision. It’s hard for you to make decisions that used to be quite easy to make.
- Sense of worthlessness. No matter what you do, you feel like you are not good enough, or not enough.
- Loss of interest in relationships. Spending time with friends and family just isn’t enjoyable anymore, even though you know that relationships are important for your well-being.
The Importance to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Depression
It is important to recognize these signs so you may seek treatment as soon as possible. While depression may feel like a life-sentence, reaching out for help can put you on the path toward joy and peace once again. Reaching out for professional help can help you to make changes that will lead to renewed empowerment over your life, health, and well-being.
If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please contact us today. We would be happy to speak with you about how we may be able to help.