Depression Symptoms
If you suffer from depression, you might have various symptoms. These symptoms may include despair and sadness. But they can also include physical issues, such as stomach pain or headaches.
If you are suffering with depression, you may benefit from either psychotherapy (talking therapy with a mental healthcare professional) or medication. Sometimes both are used together.
Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
Depression is often characterized as feelings of sadness or despair. This is different from occasional "blues" that we all experience or a temporary low mood in response to an event in life that is stressful such as the loss of a loved one or losing a job. Even when they are not in crisis, people with depression often feel hopeless and sad.
They might not be able to enjoy things that they used enjoy, such as hobbies, social activities, work, or sex. This inability to feel pleasure is known as anhedonia. They don't believe that they'll get better or things will improve. These feelings can cause people to contemplate self-harm or suicide. If this happens the person is concerned, they should seek immediate help.
People with depression often blame themselves for their negative emotions and feel guilty about things they've done or said. They might also have difficulty remembering things which is a sign of depression known as brain fog.
To determine if you are suffering from depression, it is important to seek out a mental health professional or doctor. Depression symptoms are different for each person. However, they tend to happen almost every day for more than two weeks. The doctor will ask questions and do an examination of the body. He or she will also review the patient's medical and family history. A blood test can be ordered to rule out a medical cause of the symptoms, like thyroid issues. Depression can be treated using psychotherapy, medication or both. Depression is treatable, however it can take a while to recover. It is crucial to stick to the treatment plan you have established if you suffer from depression.
Difficulty concentrating, or making decisions
The depression-related emotions can affect your thinking and behave. This can make it hard to concentrate, even on things that are important to you. You may also experience difficulty making decisions, and may be unable to find the right words or speak to yourself clearly. Depression can create a lot of stress and result in feelings of hopelessness or despair. You can make changes to improve your situation.
It's normal to experience low moods, however you must to have five or more signs every day for at least two weeks to be diagnosed as clinically depressed. Your mental health professional must also determine the cause of these symptoms such as an illness of the body or substance abuse.
Depression can cause problems at work, school or in relationships. Depression can also trigger many other mental and physical health problems, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue and back pain. It can increase the risk of suicide.
severe depression and anxiety symptoms is more prevalent among women than men, but anyone can be affected by it. Some people are at greater risk, such as those who have suffered devastating losses or traumatic events, those who've suffered heart attacks or strokes and those who suffer from medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease, chronic illness and thyroid disorder. There is evidence that suggests that changes in the structure of the brain can contribute to depression, especially in the frontal lobe.
Depression among teenagers is becoming a major concern. Many factors, including friends, family, and cultural changes, can affect the moods of adolescents. Many teenagers are depressed after they go to college, where they are exposed to different lifestyles and experiences for the first time.
Oversleeping or having trouble sleeping
Some people with depression find it difficult to sleep when their mind is active or anxious. Some people fall asleep too often when they are tired. If the symptoms last longer than two weeks, it is important to seek help. Depression can be treated using medications or psychotherapy. The most effective treatment for depression is a combination of therapy and medication. People of all ages are susceptible to mood changes. It is more prevalent in those with a history of mental disorders or depression. Non-whites and communities with high levels of stress are also susceptible. This includes African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Depression is a complicated illness, and it's not always easy to pinpoint the root cause. Certain types of depression are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Some types of depression seem to run within families. Depression can be brought on by a life-changing event like divorce or death. It can also be triggered by a physical condition, such as an injury or a disease.
Depression can also affect a person's appetite and lead to weight gain or loss. It can also make someone more anxious. It can also trigger physical pain such as back or joint pain, digestive issues and trouble sleeping. People suffering from depression may also experience slower movements and speech. In some cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. If you know someone who is contemplating suicide, call a crisis or suicide hotline immediately. It's also important to remain with the person you love and try to locate professional assistance for them, like a minister or spiritual leader within their faith community or a psychotherapist.
In the end, there is a loss of enjoyment or enthusiasm in many activities
Depression is a mood disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings and actions. It can cause a constant feeling of sadness and hopelessness which makes it difficult to enjoy the activities you used to find pleasurable. It can also affect your sleep, appetite and energy levels. It can make you irritable or easily angry, and could cause you to think about suicide. Depression can strike at any age. It can be treated through psychological counseling or medication.
Depression can develop following an event in your life that is difficult such as the loss of a job or divorce, or the loss of a loved one. However, it is also possible to experience depression that doesn't have a cause, which is known as conditional depression. This is more prevalent in teens. The symptoms are usually short-lived and will improve over time.
People suffering from depression might have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, or have depression throughout the day and nearly every day. They may lose pleasure or enthusiasm for a variety of things, such as hobbies, social activities, and sex. They might sleep too little or too long. They may have feelings of guilt or worthlessness and a bleak outlook on life, or they may feel that nothing is going to change. The symptoms are present all the time, for at least two weeks.
Symptoms vary from person to person and everyone goes through moments of sadness or "blues." To be diagnosed with depression that is clinical, your feelings should last for the majority of the day for more than two weeks, and cause disruption with your relationships and daily activities. Men and women are affected by depression differently. Some people suffering from depression do not seek help. They may not be aware of their symptoms as depression, and instead blame their irritability on their relationship or work problems or engage in risky behaviors like drinking too much alcohol.
Thinking about death or suicide
While only a small percentage of people who consider suicide actually commit suicide, the thoughts are extremely serious and should not be dismissed lightly. They can cause someone to commit actions that could result in injuries or even death. For instance, driving recklessly or giving up prized possessions. They might also plan out how they will die or attempt to commit suicide. For instance they could plan to make weapons or write a message to loved ones.
These thoughts are usually linked to depression, but they can happen without the diagnosis of depression. In fact they are more prevalent in those who have histories of trauma or abuse and also those who do not have a close relationship. Women are more likely to develop them than men, and they can begin at any age.
Depression can be caused by a variety of causes such as certain medications as well as thyroid issues or adrenal glands, and certain illnesses. But, depression can have no clear reason and may develop slowly over weeks or months. Depression can make people feel depressed, hopeless and disinterested from the things that once brought them joy. They might not be able to focus or find it difficult to fall asleep and they may also experience feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Depression can make people feel hopeless and lonely. They may not realize that there are other people who are there to help them. This can include family and friends teachers, pastors, teachers and other faith leaders, and community members. You can encourage a friend or relative who is considering suicide to seek professional assistance by staying with them. They can also call 911 or an emergency number in their area and stay there until help arrives.