We all experience sadness and hopelessness at some point in life because that is how we react to daily struggles. But if symptoms persist, it is no longer about simple unhappiness but depression. Some signs can even be unhidden and take control of our lives little by little. From a natural need of isolating yourself for a while to a strong desire to be alone and avoid social contact, depression can gradually keep you from having an active lifestyle.
Depression should not be confused with overwhelming despair and continuous sadness. Sometimes people suffering from depression may hide this condition and manifest forced happiness, either because they do not recognize the signs or do not want others to call them depressive.
Although depression symptoms may vary from person to person, they are all troubling and need to be determined as soon as possible. Recognizing the signs and admitting you are suffering from depression is the first step toward healing. So, here are some (more or less obvious) depression symptoms that cannot be overlooked and that require medical care:
Turning to your favorite activities or hobbies when feeling blue is usual but avoiding them is a warning sign you might suffer from depression. In this case, you prefer to cut yourself off and cannot muster the energy to do anything. More often than not, lying in bed seems the best option you have. But distancing yourself from the real world is not a coping mechanism, but on the contrary, it aggravates your condition by encouraging constant discouraging thoughts. Also, loss of interest can manifest not only in activities once pleasurable but also in sex, which means that you can have a decreased sex drive toward your partner or avoid contact of any kind.
One of the most common signs of depression is tiredness. Although everyone deals with fatigue from time to time, persistent tiredness may be a symptom of depression. It is no wonder that depression is often associated with the lack of sleep – they are as closely related as they seem. Overwhelming thoughts can invade your mind during the night and prevent you from having a restful sleep. Insomnia leads, therefore, to excessive tiredness and lack of energy, which in time transforms into anxiety. Depression and insomnia can also make each other worse, as each acts as the catalyzer of the other.
Careful though, depression does not always mean lack of sleep – you can also oversleep and find it difficult to get out of bed due to tiredness.
Strong feelings of loneliness, unhappiness, or hopelessness can often lead to alcohol or drug use to cope with depression. Such a disorder is unforeseeable and can manifest in ways that you cannot even imagine. That is why it is essential to understand that you are dealing with a medical condition that requires specialized help. So, if you are in a situation where you abuse substances such as drugs or alcohol, you should seek professional help. You can consider checking into rehab because these medical centers offer specialized treatment for substance use and depression, as they are often linked together.
If you experience difficulties concentrating when engaging in social activities or conversations, you probably suffer from depression. Loss of focus is one of the most overlooked symptoms of depression, but it does not mean it is mild. Memory issues are also related to the loss of concentration, as you can also find yourself in a situation where you forget some usual information. It is a sign of worry when starting to lose your train of thought, and it should by no means be ignored. Also, the relationships with others may change when dealing with focus problems, as they think you do not pay enough attention to them.
Just because depression is a mental disorder, it does not mean it does not imply physical consequences. As we all know, mind and body are strongly related, and usually, what affects the body affects the mind and vice versa. Some common physical symptoms that you might experience when suffering from depression include permanent headaches, backaches, and digestive problems. Sometimes your health condition can worsen, and unexplained diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, or arthritis can occur. That is why it is vital to call for a mental health expert when symptoms are still at the beginning and avoid severe long-term physical symptoms.
Pessimism is probably one of the most obvious symptoms of depression. It can start from neglected hopeless thoughts and degenerate into uncontrollable emotions and suicidal thoughts. You are most likely to wonder what the point in everything is, having the impression that everything is in vain anyway. You end up doubting your purpose in life. In this case, you tend to have a negative view of the future and a hopeless outlook on your life. These feelings are not always obvious – they can gradually take control of your life. That is why it is of the utmost importance to seek help when noticing negativity has started dictating how you perceive the world.
It is no surprise that you might lose interest in your physical well-being when feeling depressed, as all you are concerned about are your hopeless thoughts. Your preoccupation with food may change, which means you either overeat or lose your appetite. Symptoms vary from person to person, but one thing is for sure: changes in appetite automatically lead to changes in weight. Therefore, if you find comfort in eating, you are most likely to gain weight, but you will start losing weight if you are eating less. Also, dramatic weight changes can worsen your mental condition, as they are closely related to your self-confidence. So, if you notice a change in your eating habits and if they persist, it is highly recommended to seek professional help because it may indicate the presence of depression.
The bottom line
Depression is a cruel disease that can affect anyone, and that is why it is crucial to identify the symptoms and accept that you are dealing with a mental issue. With the right support from your loved ones, especially with the proper treatment, you can overcome depression and start leading a normal life again.