Common Signs of Depression
Everyone goes through difficult times where we feel sad or just plain lousy. It’s pretty normal
to feel that way on occasion.
Crying can be cathartic and beneficial, allowing us to release all the negative feelings that are causing
us to feel bad.
However, when depression seems to be prolonged and the patient just can’t snap out of it no matter
how hard he or she tries, then that probably indicates depression.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in America. It has been reported that about 9.5
million Americans suffer from depression nearly every six months. Depression
does not choose a victim as it could practically affect those of any age, social status or race.
It is vital to know the signs of depression so that we can deal with it and have it alleviated.
If the following signs have been evident for more than two weeks, you should seek professional help.
- Drastic change of appetite.
If the person suddenly gains weight or plummets to a stick-thin figure, then chances are he might be depressed.
This is just one sign that has to correspond with other signs to validate the existence of depression.
- Sudden change in sleeping patterns.
The person could be a sound sleeper his entire life and then suddenly, experiences insomnia and other sleeping
problems. This could be a symptom that depression is lurking.
- Sudden loss of interest in things and activities one used to enjoy.
If a person had been passionate about an activity, e.g., basketball, and then suddenly makes a 360 degree turn,
that could be a symptom of depression.
- Energy loss and presence of fatigue.
You may see an apparent change in attitude. The person does not want to actively participate in activities.
Energy is seeped from him and when asked what the matter is, he could only shrug and retreat back to his sadness.
- Feelings of unworthiness.
This is when depression can be moving into a serious mode. The person begins to feel that he has nothing to
live for and unworthy of being loved and appreciated.
- Loss of hope.
Gone is his optimism to live another day. He is already hopeless and no amount of "hope springs eternal" can
pull him out of this rut.
- Feelings of guilt.
The person feels guilty without any reason at all. The person stops himself from being happy because he
feels he has no right to be one. He harbors guilt for no apparent reason.
- Feelings of indecision.
What used to be a firm decision-maker suddenly becomes fickle-minded and too indecisive. Depression occurs
when one is too insecure to come up with decisions.
- Suicidal thoughts.
Consideration of suicide is such an alarming sign that medical help must be provided as soon as possible.
- Meloncholy feelings.
Melancholia is that sadness that completely engulfs the person and is characterized by the following: waking up
two hours earlier than the usual, languidly moving in the morning and walking slowly.
- Evidence of becoming mentally disturbed.
He suddenly thinks of morbid things, detaches himself from his usual mindset and starts hallucinating.
- Development of physical aches.
A depressed person gets stomachaches or muscle pains with no physiological basis at all.
- Impression that "My life is passing by".
Other than assimilating the "Life is unfair!" and "what has gone wrong?" drama, a clinically depressed person
also feels that he is just simply watching his life deteriorating from afar.
- Antisocial behavior.
A depressed person is likely to isolate himself from his family and friends. But there is also a case when a
depressed person gets so frightened being alone that he clings to people all the time. However, no amount of
social involvement makes him feel better.
Depression, if not seriously taken and treated, can lead to more severe mental illnesses or even death.
Everyone should know the signs and symptoms so the next time warning signs are observed that a loved one is currently
suffering depression, he could immediately seek a doctor to locate professional assistance.
NEXT: Signs of Severe Depression
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