Signs of Depression

Could it be depression?

Being sad is not the same thing as being depressed. Depression is a term that is often used loosely to describe how we experience after a tough week from work or a breakup. But major depressive disorder — a form of depression — is even more complicated. There are unique signs that decide whether it is depression or sadness that we all encounter in life.

Determining whether chronic, unshakeable dark feelings are the product of depression could be the first step towards healing and rehabilitation. Read these warning signs to see if it's time for you to see a mental health provider.

1. Hopeless viewpoint

Serious depression is a mood disorder that influences how you feel about life in general. Having a hopeless or helpless viewpoint on your life is one of the most common signs of depression.

Other emotions can be useless, self-hatred, or improper remorse. Popular, recurrent feelings of depression can be voiced as, "It's all my fault," or "What's the point?"

2. Lost interest

Depression can take pleasure or happiness from things you enjoy. Losing interest or withdrawing from activities that you once wished for — sports, hobbies, or hanging out with friends — is yet another clear indication of major depression.

Another place where you might lose interest is sex. Symptoms of extreme depression include reduced sex desire and even impotence.

3. Increased fatigue and sleep problems

Probably one of the reasons why you might avoid doing things that you enjoy is because you feel really tired. Depression also comes with a lack of motivation and an intense sense of exhaustion, which may be one of the most crippling symptoms of depression. This could lead to over-sleep.

Depression is also related to insomnia, as one can lead to another, and vice versa. It can make each other worse, too. Lack of quality and restful sleep can also contribute to anxiety.

4. Could trigger anxiety

While depression has not been shown to cause anxiety, both conditions sometimes occur together. Symptoms of anxiety can include:

* nervousness, restlessness, or a sense of tension

* feelings of risk, panic, or fear

* quick heart rate

* fast Breathing

* heavy or increased sweating

* trembling or twitching of muscle

* the challenge of concentrating or thinking clearly about something other than the thing you're concerned about

5. Irritability

Depression can affect the sexes in a different way. Research indicates that men with depression may have symptoms such as irritability, escape or risky behaviour, drug abuse, or misplaced rage.

Men are often less likely than women to identify or seek care for depression.

6. Changes in appetite and weight

Weight and appetite can vary in people with depression. For each person, this experience can be different. Some people are going to have increased appetite and gain weight, while others are not going to be hungry and lose weight.

One measure of whether dietary changes are linked to depression is whether or not they are deliberate. If they don't, it might mean that they're caused by depression.

7. Uncontrollable emotions

It's an explosion of anger for a minute. The next one you cry uncontrollably. Nothing outside of you has contributed to improvement, but your feelings are up and down at a moment's notice. Depression is likely to trigger mood swings.

8. Looking at death

Depression is often related to suicide.People who die of suicide generally have signs first. People will also dream about it or make a first attempt to end their lives. If you think someone is at imminent risk of self-harm or of harming another person:

* Call emmergency hotlines or dial your nearest emergency number.

* Stay with the individual until the aid has arrived.

* Remove any guns, knives, narcotics, or other items that can cause harm.

* Listen, but don't judge, argue, threaten, or scream.

Find help

If you have had all of the symptoms or know someone who have all the symptoms listed above for more than two weeks, you might have a major depressive disorder. It is important to realize that you are depressed to get the right support.

Depression affects millions of people, but there are a variety of therapies available, from lifestyle changes to medicines. No matter the path of care you chose, asking for clinical support is the first step to get back to feeling like you are again.

Causes

It is not clear precisely what causes depression. As with many mental illnesses, a range of factors may be involved, such as:

Biological differences. People with depression tend to have a physical alteration in their brains. The meaning of these changes is still unclear, but it can eventually help to define the causes.

Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that are likely to play a role in depression. Recent research shows that changes in the function and impact of these neurotransmitters and also how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood control can play an important role in depression and its treatment.

Hormones. Changes in the body's hormone balance can be associated with causing or inducing depression. Hormone changes can result from pregnancy and during weeks or months after delivery (postpartum) and from thyroid problems, menopause or a variety of other conditions.

Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives have this disorder as well. Researchers are searching for genes that could be involved in causing depression.