10 signs of depression to watch out for

In the rush of life, we get so busy that we forget to take care of our mental health. We tend to ignore signs of sadness or anxiety because we’re too busy doing other things or thinking it’s just a passing phase. But sometimes, these feelings last longer than you expect and your thoughts end up hanging over you like a big dark cloud that makes everything seem gloomy. Ignoring your mental health should never be an option as it can lead to serious consequences. One of the most common mental health problems is depression. You should seek attention if you experience any signs of depression.

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition. The main symptoms are low mood or sadness, fatigue (without obvious physical illness) and inability to enjoy previously enjoyable activities. According to World Health Organization (WHO)It affects 5-10 percent of adults and is more common in women.

It can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Also, it’s not something you can snap, it’s a common medical condition that needs treatment and your attention.

What are the signs of depression?

Depression is a medical condition that causes you to feel sad for long periods of time, but it’s not the only symptom you may experience. Here are the signs of depression you should not ignore:

1. Helplessness

People with depression may have feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. It can be accompanied by undue guilt and loneliness. If you feel helpless, contact a mental health professional immediately.

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2. Loss of interest

Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed? Depression sucks the joy out of many moments in life.

3. Changes in weight

Sudden weight loss or weight gain are both signs that someone is suffering from depression. If your weight fluctuates and you don’t know why, it could be because you are suffering from depression.

4. Lack of appetite

One moment you feel hungry and the next you don’t want to bite because you just don’t feel like it! Is this something you experience often? If yes, then you might be suffering from depression. People with depression may have changes in weight and appetite.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is another symptom of depression, and can worsen if left untreated. Depression can cause severe fatigue and make it difficult for you to do the most basic tasks. Sleep problems, stress, diet or certain medications can also lead to depression and fatigue.

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6. Inability to concentrate or make decisions

Not being able to make any decisions is one of the most common psychological symptoms of depression that you may experience. If you can’t focus on things around you, let alone make any decisions, you should consult your doctor to know for sure.

7. Restlessness

Restlessness is when you are unable to rest due to anxiety or boredom. People with depression can affect you emotionally or physically, causing you to feel restless and restless.

8. Unexplained pain

Are you experiencing a lot of headaches? Or stomach ache? People suffering from depression experience different types of pain in any part of the body. It can affect your muscles, joints, back and more. If you experience any persistent pain, don’t ignore it.

9. Delinquency

Do you feel guilty for no particular reason? Feeling guilty about something happens to everyone at some point, always feeling guilty is a sign of depression.

10. Suicidal thoughts

People suffering from depression may have suicidal thoughts and even attempt suicide. This medical condition is also associated with a higher risk of suicide.

How to prevent depression?

If you think you are at risk for depression, here are some ways to prevent depression:

• If you’re stressed, try activities like meditation and yoga to manage it and improve your self-esteem.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
• Get regular medical checkups to prevent it from getting worse.
• Spend more time with your loved ones.
• Look for things about yourself that make you feel bad and tell your health care provider about them.
• Don’t make decisions on a day when you don’t feel well.
• Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing to avoid complications.

Is there a cure for depression?

Yes, there are many effective treatments that can help you deal with depression, including:

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help address the underlying causes of depression, learn coping skills, and develop strategies to help manage symptoms.

2. Medicine

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which help reduce symptoms of depression.

3. Making lifestyle changes

You should make positive lifestyle changes that will help you manage the symptoms of depression. Some ways to manage depressive symptoms include exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, practicing stress reduction techniques, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

4. Support groups

Joining a support group or participating in group therapy can provide community, understanding, and encouragement from others facing similar challenges.

5. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

In cases where the depression is severe or resistant to other treatments, ECT or TMS may be recommended. These procedures use electrical currents or magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain and are effective in alleviating symptoms for some people.

Now that you know the signs of depression, you need to be open about mental health and break the stigma to get what you deserve, and that’s happiness!