The Signs And Symptoms Of Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, act and think. It is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression mood fluctuations are different from the ones people experience in their day to day life. Most people define it as ‘living in a black hole’. It’s an ongoing process that can last for days, weeks, months or years.

Of course, humans are emotional beings we all feel lonely, sad, depressed at times. But when these feelings become overwhelming, affects physically and keeps you from leading a normal and active life. It needs medical attention!

Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

According to estimates, 16.2 million adults in the United States, or 6.7 % of American adults, have had at least one major depressive episode in a given year.

Symptoms of Depression 

The signs and symptoms of depression vary from person to person, but some of these are common, and when they last longer and stronger- most likely you are dealing with depression.

1. Hopelessness and helplessness- The outlook, in general, becomes very negative- nothing will ever change or get better. You can do nothing to improve or move out of the situation.
2. Losing interest in daily activities- There is no more interest in hobbies, pastimes, social activities, sex, creative activities etc. It almost feels like you have lost the ability to feel joy and pleasure.
3. Appetite loss- Significant amount of weight loss or gain, more than 5% in a month.
4. Sleep change- People either lose sleep (insomnia) or oversleep (hypersomnia). Most of the people start waking up in the early morning hours.
5. Anger and irritation- Feeling restless, fatigued and physically drained. People get short-tempered, and everything gets on their nerves. The tolerance level becomes very low.
6. Self-loathing- People start to feel worthless and guilt strongly. Often they criticise themselves harshly for faults or mistakes.
7. Lack of concentration- This is another sign of depression where people face trouble making decisions, focus and trouble remembering things.
8. Aches & pains- Sudden increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, muscle ache and stomach pain etc.

These are some of the commonly seen symptoms of depression; however, they might differ based on gender and age. Hence, proper medical assistance is necessary to support the people suffering from symptoms of depression.

Related Post - Bipolar Disorder – Symptoms in Men and Women