Often asked about how depression works as well as how one can recognize the signs of depression, I decided to jot down what I know from experience, and through research and learning for you. Depression can often feel like an intolerable sadness, and/or deep gloom that just won’t go away. However, depression often is disguised as sneaky in symptoms that may be hard to identify.
Common Depression Symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless and empty or having lost interest in the things which gave you pleasure. Do not discount, however, the less obvious symptoms including:
- Anger, irritability, and impatience. You are irritated and angry at family, friends, or co-workers, or overreact to small things.
- Sleep problems. You may have trouble sleeping, may wake up very early in the morning, or you may sleep too much.
- Anxiety. Your symptoms include anxiety, worry, restlessness and tension. Anxiety and depression often occur together, even though they are two separate problems.
- Crying. Crying spells over nothing at all, and possibly crying about small things which ordinarily wouldn’t bother you may be signs of depression.
- Inability to concentrate. Depression can make you forgetful, have trouble making decisions, or concentrating.
- Pain. Have aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment? They could be signs of depression.
- Substance abuse. Substance abuse and depression often go hand-in-hand and can hide an underlying problem with depression.
- Appetite changes. You may have no desire to eat, or you may overeat in an effort to feel comfort and happiness.
- Isolation. Feeling withdrawn from friends and family right when you need their support the most is a definite symptom.
Being depressed can be hard to admit to yourself let alone ask for help. However, there are good reasons you should consider depression treatment:
Treatment works. Even people with severe depression find relief, and so can you.
- Early treatment is better. As with other health problems, getting treatment early can ease symptoms more quickly. If you wait to get help, your depression can become more severe and harder to treat.
Many people are willing to help you overcome your depression, but you must take the first step on your own. In other words, let someone know how you are feeling. It may help to start talking to a close friend or family member. Ask for support in finding treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will feel better. Don’t hesitate — call your doctor or a medical health professional if:
- You think you may be depressed
- You notice symptoms of depression such as sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, or if you have less obvious symptoms such as trouble sleeping or vague aches and pains
- Depression symptoms make it hard to function
Help yourself by spending time with supportive friends or family who will make you feel better — even if you don’t feel like it will. The contact you get from others, along with depression treatment, can help bring you out of the dark and back into the light.
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