Symptoms of depression

Depression prevents people from leading happy, productive lives.

Often robbing us of the joy we used to have in many activities, depression prevents us from connecting with people and enjoying the various pleasures of everyday life.

What are the symptoms of depression?

If symptoms of depression go untreated they can persist for years. In some instances, people even contemplate suicide.
Hence, it's crucial to identify the symptoms as early as possible. Sadly, most people’s symptoms go unrecognised and untreated.

It's important to note that we feel the symptoms of depression on a physical and emotional level.

Emotional symptoms of depression:

Insomnia - Not getting enough sleep
Unable to find joy in hobbies previously enjoyed
Struggling to concentrate and remember details
Can’t make decisions
Feeling guilty
Pessimistic and hopeless
Restless
Irritable
Feeling sad
Lacking in confidence and miserable
Unhappy and sad
Suicidal thoughts

Dealing with emotional symptoms on a day-to-day basis

The emotional symptoms of depression prevent you from leading a fulfilled balanced life because it forces you to withdraw from the world around you. In fact, just getting through the day is a chore for someone dealing with depression.

It's important to bear in mind that these symptoms vary in their intensity depending on the day. On a good day, it's easy to push through the day feeling like a capable, productive person. But then, there are also bad days.

On these days, getting out of bed is a huge battle, talking to your friends and family would almost seem impossible and the urge to withdraw from the world would be very high.

The physical symptoms of depression:

Digestive problems - even after getting treatment
Headaches, cramps and pains that won’t go away
Fatigue
Overeating
Loss of appetite
Lower pain of tolerance
Vision problems

Dealing with physical symptoms on a day-to-day basis

When we are inflicted with fatigue, we often don’t want to get out of bed. It's much easier to stay in bed and do something that doesn’t demand much of us, like watch TV or scroll through Instagram. Working through chronic head pain (the pain that can be felt in between eyebrows), chronic stomach pain and even straining eye vision can be difficult.

Sometimes it often feels like our nerves are on fire even though there is no physical cause.

It's important to keep in mind that we go through stressful life events that trigger these feelings in us. However, if you are feeling one or more of these symptoms over a period of two weeks then it is important to get help at once.

Symptoms of depression: Suicidal thoughts

If the symptoms go untreated, many will start to consider suicide or to commit it. Signs that someone wants to commit suicide includes:

Performing uncharacteristically dangerous acts like driving through red lights
Saying things like “It would be better if I weren’t here’
Putting affairs in order, like changing a will
Making comments about being helpless or worthless
Switching from calm to sadness abruptly

If any of these actions apply to you (or someone you know) its important to understand that its not your fault, nor are you like this permanently. Our emotional state can change and with the right help you will come out of this situation stronger and better than before.

Types of depression

Learn about the different types of depression

READ MORE

Causes of depression

Learn about the causes of depression

READ MORE

Treatment and support for depression

Need help? Reach out. Help is always available.

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