Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs Explained

Depression is commonly characterised by a persistent mood of depression, lack of interest in various activities, and other symptoms that can cause impairment in daily life. It can be caused by a combination of social, psychological, as well as biological factors. It can also be hereditary. Research suggests that it is caused by changes in the brain’s function, to the extent of altered activity of some of the brain’s neural circuits.

Depression doesn’t look like just one thing. There are a lot of symptoms to watch out for if you think that you or someone else is going through depression. Here are a few most common symptoms that you can find, note that this is not an exhaustive list. 

Hopelessness

Major depression is considered a mood disorder that can affect the way a person feels about life. Having an outlook of hopelessness or helplessness is known as one of the most common symptoms of depression. Other feelings to keep an eye out for are worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, or even self-hate. Some recurring phrases that a person may say, then would be those of self-blame and asking what the point of life is.

Loss of Interest

Depression can result in a lack of interest or motivation or even withdrawal from things a person once took pleasure in or enjoyed doing. It can be anything like going out with friends, hobbies, sports, etc.

Fatigue and Sleep Issues

Many times, people stop doing what they used to enjoy because of the lack of energy. Overwhelming fatigue can lead to excessive sleeping. Other times, it may also result in insomnia, making an unending cycle. Lack of rest can even lead to anxiety.

Anxiety

It hasn’t been proved that depression causes anxiety, but very often, those two occur together. The symptoms here can look like feelings of panic and dread, rapid breathing or heart rate, trouble focusing or thinking about anything other than what is causing anxiety.

• Irritability

This is one symptom that is many times ignored or is delegated to men only, when in fact, this is a symptom that affects whoever has depression. Irritability, risky or escapist behaviour, and even substance abuse factors in as symptoms of depression.

• Appetite and Weight

Both the factors can easily fluctuate, and they can be different for different people. Some may gain weight with an increased appetite or lose weight with the loss of an appetite. An indication of whether this is linked to depression can be whether it is intentional or not. If not, it would probably be linked.

• Uncontrollable Emotions

One moment a person could be crying bitterly and be extremely angry the next with no noticeable outward reason for it. This means that depression can result in mood swings.

• Death

Suicidal thoughts and suicide is very often linked with depression. Often people talk about it or self-harm before actually committing the act. Keep an eye on anyone you think may be at risk.

• Sudden Celebration

Often, before committing suicide, people may throw a party or hold some festivity of some sort as a final going-away gift for those they love.

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Types of Depression

As mentioned before, depression is not indicated in the same way by everyone. Here are the types of depression that people go through.

• Major Depression

• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)

• Atypical Depression

• Postpartum Depression

• Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)

• Seasonal Depression (SAD)

• Psychotic Depression

• Treatment-Resistant Depression

Treatment

It is difficult to live with depression, but there is the availability of treatment to help people. Treatment can differ from person to person and doctor to doctor, depending on what the doctor feels best. Please note that not all doctors or therapists can give the care and treatment that is needed. Therefore, it is best to try again with another doctor until you get the help that you need. Your doctor may suggest a different combination of treatments like lifestyle therapy and medical treatment.

• Medication

You may be prescribed antidepressants, pills for anxiety, antipsychotic medication, sleeping pills, etc. Each one depends on the diagnosis and the patient. Each medicine has its own potential risks, which is why self-medication is not a good idea.

• Psychotherapy

Meeting a therapist regularly can help cope with intense emotions in a healthy manner. Often group or family therapy can also help. Thirty minutes of exercising a few times a week are usually recommended in this case.

•  Exercise

Exercising can help increase the production of endorphins that can improve one’s mood.

• Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Drugs and alcohol can provide temporary relief but can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety and depression worse in the long run.

• Learn to Say No

Setting firm professional and personal boundaries can eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed and can also provide relief from toxic circles of people that are around them.