Everybody experiences feeling down from time to time; it is an entirely normal part of life. However, sometimes the feelings of hopelessness and despair seem to stick around as an almost permanent fixture, and this could be a telling sign that someone is struggling with depression.
Depression is undoubtedly more than simply feeling sad about setbacks – it changes how people think, feel, responds, and function in their everyday lives. Major depression can have a negative impact on work, schooling, eating, sleeping, and socializing.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a simple depression test, and individuals experience this mental health issue in highly different ways. Some may feel like they are lifeless or apathetic. Others get an impending sense of doom. However depression is experienced by the person, if it is left untreated, it can become a life-threatening health condition.
It is important to remember that depression isn’t the reality of the situation, and it can be treated with innovative medical processes and therapy sessions. The most important thing is knowing how to recognize the signs of depression so that you, or a loved one, can seek help at the earliest opportunity.
Symptoms of Depression
As mentioned, everyone experiences depression in their own way. The signs of depression will also vary according to how severe it is. In general, however, these are the most commons signs to keep an eye out for:
- Feelings of Hopelessness
- Complete Loss of Interest
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Anxiety or Restlessness
- Appetite and Weight Changes
- Anger and Irritability
- Uncontrollable Emotions
- Reckless Behaviors
- Physical Pain and Discomfort, and
- Self-Harm or Talking About Death
Variations of Depression Symptoms
Of course, depression is something that people experience in completely different ways. However, there is a link between the signs of depression and how people of different ages and genders experience them:
- Men: Men who struggle with depression are less likely to acknowledge emotional aspects like self-loathing or hopelessness. Instead, they generally show signs such as irritability, sleep issues, loss of interest, and they are more likely to act out aggressively or engage in reckless behaviors like substance abuse.
- Women: Women tend to struggle with excessive self-guilt or loathing. Weight changes are incredibly common, with overeating and weight gain being particularly symptomatic of depression. Of course, depression is also impacted by the extreme hormonal changes women go through during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Teens: Irritability, moodiness, and excessive sleeping are common in teens with depression. They may complain of physical symptoms like stomach and headaches to get out of activities like sports and school. They could also isolate themselves from friends and family.
- Older Adults: Older adults generally struggle more with physical symptoms. Aches, pains, fatigue, and memory problems are common. They could also begin to neglect personal hygiene, appearance, and health.
The article is published courtesy of Addiction Rehab Treatment
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