Typical Symptoms of Depression

I have dealt with the symptoms of depression most of my life. The symptoms change a bit from time to time, but the overbearing torment of the disease remains. Most people that have the disease know that they have it. However, there is an ever-growing number of people that wonder if their loved ones suffer from depression. This article/post is targeted at those individuals trying to better understand depression and hopefully to help someone that suffers. Or at least have more compassion.

“If you have been brutally broken but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings, then you’re a badass with the heart of an angel” – Keanu Reeves

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can present itself in different ways for different people. However, some common symptoms of depression include:

Depressed or low mood – yes, this one is obvious but it must be said. The name ‘depression’ is fairly accurate, even if people’s knowledge about the disease is not. Also, ‘low mood’ and ‘depressed’ are not the same things.

Loss of pleasure from all or most activities – this is very common. Even hobbies that use to bring someone years of joy can suddenly become uninteresting. Sex is the most notorious activity that people notice. People that suffer from depression often lose all interest in sex. It has nothing to do with their partner, lover, boyfriend, or girlfriend. It just happens.

Significant weight increase or change in appetite – this one is tough. A lot of us that suffer resort to eating our pain. Others lose their appetite altogether. The most common symptom is overeating.

Change in sleeping patterns – most folks associate oversleeping as a symptom of depression and it is true. We, the depressed, like our sleep. However, insomnia is also a fairly common symptom. A person can go back and forth between oversleeping and not being able to sleep. Sleep deprivation + depression is a nasty combination.

Change in daily or routine activity – this one is hard to pinpoint sometimes. I’ve had a ton of friends think that their spouse or significant other was cheating, but turned out that they were just going through bouts of depression. A key to remember; are people who suffer from depression seek out isolation. We like to be alone when we suffer. No idea why, but we do.

Extreme fatigue or loss of energy – sometimes just getting out of bed feels like too much to bear. We HATE feeling lazy. Seriously, we hate it, but often we can’t do anything about it. That said, I know some people that are just lazy and it has nothing to do with depression. If the person in question has zero guilt about their laziness, they are not depressed.

Diminished focus and concentration – thank you, Adderall! No seriously, there have been times when Adderall has literally saved my job. Depression changes the brain physically and chemically. Sometimes just holding a simple thought is almost impossible. I eventually replaced Adderall with a combination of exercise, B-12, and healthy eating.

Feelings of guilt, self-blaming, and worthlessness – are very common. I’m not sure that I have ever met someone that suffers from depression that did not have feelings of guilt or worthlessness. It stems from the lazy, lack of energy, and sometimes self-image. We do NOT like being lazy. We see our shortcomings and we want to fix them, but we can’t or don’t know how. This eventually leads to guilt and feeling worthless.

Suicidality is also common – sadly, this one is also common. If I’m honest, I’ve had thoughts of ending my life. I even planned it out once. Why? think about all of the symptoms I just listed. Now imagine living like that for years or decades. sometimes suicide ‘seems’ like the only way to make it stop. It’s not a solution. The best answer for this item; we have options, and there is help. A better quality of life is possible. Truly, it is.

Causes of Depression

The causes of depression are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors (i.e, Life). Some of the potential causes of depression include:

• Chemical imbalances in the brain
• Genetics and family history of depression
• Chronic stress or traumatic life events
• Substance abuse or substance dependency
• Chronic medical conditions
• Low self-esteem and negative thought patterns
• Not enough tacos – seriously!

Treatment Options for Depression

Fortunately, depression is a treatable condition. There are several options for treatment, including:

• Antidepressant medications: This doesn’t have to be a long-term solution. I was on antidepressants for about a year and it helped a lot. These medications help to regulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): I found CBT very helpful. This form of therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can help individuals learn coping skills and improve their overall outlook on life.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): I have not tried IPT, but I have friends that found this form of therapy extremely helpful. This form of therapy focuses on relationships and interpersonal interactions. It can help individuals improve their relationships and resolve conflicts, which can improve their overall mood.
• Psychodynamic therapy: I tried this once. Maybe it helped? lol… Donno, but it’s worth trying. This form of therapy focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts and feelings. It can help individuals gain a better understanding of their emotions and motivations, which can improve their overall mood.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Not a fan, but I’ve seen it help people. This procedure uses electric currents to stimulate the brain and improve mood. It is typically used for individuals with severe depression who have not responded to other treatments.

In conclusion, depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people. It can cause a range of symptoms, and its causes are not fully understood. However, there are several effective treatment options available, including medications, therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek professional help to get the support and care you need.

If you suffer from depression and are looking for ways to control the disease, this might help:

If someone you know is suffering from depression, DO NOT NAG THEM TO GET BETTER. In fact, don’t even make suggestions about how to get better. Just show an increase in patience and love. They have to be the first to reach out. However, if they are in danger of hurting themselves, you have no choice. Take action quickly to avoid a horrible outcome. I know it is tough dealing with someone that has depression. Remember, everyone that suffers from depression wants to feel better. We might not admit it all the time, but we do. We hate feeling and acting the way we do.

If you feel overwhelmed and could use a little help with suggestions, ideas, etc… Please reach out and I’ll do whatever I can to help (click here)