Signs Of Depression

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Depression is a severe mental health condition which affects around 1 in 10 people. There are different types of depression and various symptoms which can make it difficult to pinpoint, but it is important to note that it is an illness which can affect anyone.

Unfortunately, many people do not realise that they are depressed, know who diagnoses depression, or they try to live with it in silence. It means that it is important to be aware of the signs so that you can recognise them in yourself or somebody else and seek treatment. These are a few of the more common symptoms to look for in yourself or another person:

Common signs and symptoms of depression

Emotional Symptoms

The most obvious symptom to look for is negative emotions. Negative emotions can include:

• Sadness
• Feeling helpless
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Irritability
• Guilt
• A lack of motivation

People can feel all of these emotions powerfully, and they will interfere with many areas of their life. The individual may also have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. In these cases; it is essential to seek help from a professional as soon as possible.

Physical Symptoms

There are also various physical symptoms to look out for, and these include:

• Changes in appetite
• Lack of energy
• Constipation
• Loss of sex drive
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Disturbed sleep

These physical symptoms can take their toll and feed into negative emotions, which make it a vicious cycle. It is important to note that not everyone will suffer the same physical symptoms. Everyone is affected differently, so while one person may overeat when struggling with depression, another person may undereat, restricting the nutrients they are receiving.

Social Symptoms

One of the significant signs to look out for is a change in social behaviour. When people are depressed, they will often shut themselves off and avoid social situations, have difficulties in home and family life and neglect their hobbies and interests as they find that they no longer provide joy. Not only this, but people often exhibit reckless behaviours such as excessive drinking, substance abuse and risky sexual behaviour. Additionally, performance at work can also be an area that is impacted.

Seeking Help

These are the main symptoms that you need to look out for, but it is not a matter of box ticking. If you are worried about your own mental health or the mental health of someone close to you then you should speak to a healthcare professional immediately. They will be able to put you on the right treatment path which may involve treatment at a specialist centre like 310 Recovery. Treatment for depression will vary depending on the individual, the severity of the depression and the type, but it could include medication, individual therapy, group therapy and other forms of treatment.

It is important that symptoms of depression are not ignored as it is a significant mental health issue around the world. It can sometimes be difficult to tell when you or somebody else is suffering from depression, which is why it is essential to talk about mental health and to speak to a healthcare professional if you have concerns. Although it is a complex illness and one which can be hard to overcome, treatment is possible, and many people go on to lead happy lives once they have sought treatment.