WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION ANXIETY AND STRESS

Here are some of the signs of depression to look out for.

What is depression? Mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies.

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair take hold and will not go away, you may have depression. More than just sadness in response to life’s struggles and setbacks, depression changes how you think, feel, and function in daily activities. It can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life. Just trying to get through the day can be overwhelming.

However you experience the problem, left untreated can become a serious health condition. But it is important to remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression, not the reality of your situation.

No matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. By understanding the causes and recognizing the different symptoms and types of depression, you can take the first steps to feeling better and overcoming the problem.

Signs and symptoms

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they lasted; the more likely it is that you are dealing with depression.

Here are common depression symptoms

.Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness—A bleak outlook, nothing will ever get better and there is nothing you can do to improve your situation.

.Loss of interest in daily activities—You don’t care anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, social activities. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

.Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

.Sleep changes—Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.

.Anger or irritability—Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

.Loss of energy—Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

.Self-loathing—Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

.Reckless behavior—You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

.Concentration problems—Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

.Unexplained aches and pains—An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

There is link between depression symptoms and anxiety. Depression and anxiety are believed to stem from the same biological vulnerability, which may explain why they so often go hand-in-hand. Since anxiety makes depression worse (and vice versa), it’s important to seek treatment for both conditions.