- LOST INTEREST
A loss of interest or withdrawal from activities that you once looked forward to and loved to do like sports, hobbies, or going out with friends is yet another huge sign of major depression.
Another area where you may lose interest is sex. Symptoms of major depression sometimes include a decreased sex drive and even impotence.
So, depression can take the pleasure or enjoyment out of the things you love.
- INCREASED FATIQUE AND SLEEPING PROBLEMS
Depression mostly comes with a lack of energy and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, which can be among the most obvious symptoms of depression. This could lead to excessive sleeping.
Depression has also been linked with insomnia, as one might lead to the other and vice versa. They can also make each other worse. The lack of quality, restful sleep can also lead to anxiety.
So, Part of the reason you might stop doing things you enjoy is because you feel very tired.
- ANXIETY
While depression hasn’t been linked directly to anxiety, the two conditions often occur together. Symptoms of anxiety may include:
- nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense
- feelings of danger, panic, or dread
- rapid heart rate
- rapid breathing
- increased or heavy sweating
- trembling or muscle twitching.
- trouble focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the thing you’re worried about.
- FEELING OF HOPELESSESS
Depression is a mood disorder that affects the way you feel and percieve life in general. Having a helpless outlook on your life is the most common symptom of depression.
Other feelings may be worthlessness, self-hate, or inappropriate guilt. Common, recurring thoughts of depression may be vocalized as, “It’s all my fault,” or “What’s the point?” Watch it at this point, because it is at this point that suicidal thoughts cross the mind.
- IRRITABILITY IN MEN
Depression affects men and women differently. Data shows that men with depression may have symptoms such as irritability, escapist or risky behaviour, substance abuse, or misplaced anger.
Men are also less likely than women to recognize depression or seek treatment for it.
- UNCONTROLLABLE EMOTIONS
Depression can cause mood swings. This can be easily confused as the normal mood swings that a lot of women experience, One minute it’s an outburst of anger. The next you’re crying uncontrollably. Nothing outside of you prompted the change, but your emotions are up and down at a moment’s notice. When you begin to feel this way more often, do not waive it off, instead pay more attention and seek help.
- CHANGES IN APPETITE AND WEIGHT
Weight and appetite can fluctuate for people with depression. This experience may be different for each person. Some people will have an increased appetite and gain weight, while others won’t be hungry and will lose weight.
One indication of whether dietary changes are related to depression is if they’re intentional or not. If they’re not, it may mean that they’re caused by depression.
- LOOKING AT DEATH
Depression is sometimes connected with suicide. People who die by suicide usually show symptoms first. Often people will talk about it or make a first attempt before succeeding in ending their life. If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:
- Call your local emergency number.
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
- Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
- Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.
- GETTING HELP
If you have had some of the previously mentioned symptoms for more than two weeks, you might be suffering from major depression disorder. Recognizing that you’re depressed is essential to getting the right help.
Depression affects millions of people, but there are different treatments available, from lifestyle changes to medications. No matter the path of treatment you choose, asking for professional help is the first step to getting back to feeling like yourself again.