Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder which can affect anyone, no matter the gender, age (whether it’s young or old people), ethnic, or social status, at any point over the course of their life.
Lots of people can experience ‘low mood’ or have periods of feeling down. But the difference between feeling blue and being diagnosed with clinical depression is based on the severity of symptoms and signs over an extended period of time.
Before, it was dismissed as a trivial emotional issue, but now we are actively doing more to understand and support the people who exhibit signs of depression.
Information and education are now more available to whoever wants to offer support and understand this mental state.
Signs of Depression
The signs and symptoms of depression vary from person to person. Some of the most commonly recognised emotional symptoms are:
- A state of sadness or hopeless feeling for a long period of time.
- Feelings of worthlessness and insignificance.
- Losing interest in hobbies or projects you usually love doing.
- Unable to communicate with others.
- Feeling tearful or upset.
Lots of people who suffer from depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
Other Symptoms Manifest Themselves Physically. These can include:
- Diminished appetite for food.
- Losing weight.
- Diminished sexual appetite.
- Constantly tired and unable to get a good night sleep.
- Feeling in pain or achy.
The scale of depression varies widely according to circumstances, for instance after losing a job, going through a divorce or even for childbirth.
It is always important to take these symptoms seriously as it can become chronic if not treated.
A severe clinical depression could leave a person unable to work, becoming suicidal or feeling as though life is not worth living.
Treating Depression
There are several ways to treat depression. The most common is a combination of talking therapy, combined with medication.
Speaking with a counsellor or a psychologist can make you understand the root of why you have developed this mental health disorder and ultimately how to deal with depression.
Yet, there are lots of self-help steps you can take to ease the symptoms of it:
- Cutting down alcohol intake.
- Joining a support group.
- Exercising.
- Stop smoking.
- Eating more healthily.
Simple things like looking after your body can help ease symptoms of depression.
Taking the time to treat any ailment it’s important to promote self-esteem. It helps everyone feel more confident and better with life.
Support
If you feel as though you might be depressed, the most important step to take is recognizing that depression is a common illness. It can be managed in lots of different ways.
Over 40 million of Americans have suffered from depression at some period of their lives.
So there is a huge amount of information available to get the aid for you or a loved one.
Visit the sights below to read more about depression in America:
