Typical Symptoms of Depression
The most common symptoms & a few not so common
The most common symptoms & a few not so common
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
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.
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:
Fortunately, depression is a treatable condition. There are several options for treatment, including:
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 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)
Actually, we all need your help. Please consider sharing your experience with depression. Share a story, a day in the life or anything that you are willing to share.
I can totally relate with these symptoms because I have been there and I know these are really the symptoms. depression can make one be so unstable.
I also feel am depressed. Mostly it’s as a result of work. All the signs listed here I have them. But the only thing is to encourage ourselves.
It’s common these days for depression. Actually many including the youth are affected. I don’t know if it’s the world we are living in that it’s becoming tough or unconducive, I just don’t understand.
Having a depression is like wearing a mask. Someone can look normal but is not deep inside. They are fighting battles we don’t know about. By knowing these signs, we can help our loved ones suffering from it.
Suicidal thoughts is an obvious depression sign..I sometimes go through some of this things you stated in your write up..Thanks for the information.. Spot on
Depression is just like cancer it takes away all the joy one has and leave one broken and empty. We just have to be happy against all odds.
I can identify with such behaviour as lack of sleep and appetite. At the time I was depressed, I could not sleep at night. Those nights were the longest.
What makes me sad is that most people don’t treat depression as a medical condition that require immediate attention. Some will even try to make you feel like you’re exaggerating. Only the person going through depression knows how it feels.
I’ ‘ve been dealing with depression for years and I have experienced the symptoms. I’m glad that I haven’t been alone when fighting it.
I think I have experienced depression a couple times in my life, especially when my last relationship broke up. I wasn’t able to sleep and I didn’t wanna do anything but cry.
I think we all have experienced depression at least once in our lives. Is good to identify the symptoms to get the help necessary.
I strongly agree with loss of Energy. I saw it with my mom and ignored it. Now that she is well. I always say that she should rest if she is tired. Do not force things. Depression can be a killer if it is untreated.
I agree we all have been depressed to a point. The trick is when do we say that an episode is more than just being down? No wonder this is not considered as a disorder for a long time.
Most people I’ve interacted with that suffered from depression always say that they had suicidal thoughts. That is a dangerous state to be at because at that point, this person can literally do anything with themselves.
Now that I understand what people experiencing depression go through, I can only empathize with them. It’s a condition that no one would want to have. Thank you for informing us.
These symptoms are there in many people. Thus, it is difficult to raise a red flag for a particular person. However, things need to be addressed for a cure.
Going through a bit of a rough patch right now. Glad to know it isn’t my annual depression bout.
Depression suck life out of everything. It’s a sad place to be and it’s best to seek help as soon as one can.
Self-guilt and worthlessness is a very telling symptom of depression. It can affect job perfomance, relationships and basically all spheres of life.
I think of all the symptoms suicidal thoughts is the most dangerous. It leads to a downward spiral that I would not wish on anyone 🙁