Depression is a serious condition that can negatively effect every aspect of your life, from work to your family and home life. It is important to keep an eye on your mental health and take steps to help yourself if you are clinically depressed. Depression can be caused from many different factors, including traumatic events, stress, and chemical imbalances in the brain. Everyone gets down at times, but when it seems to last for long periods of time and becomes too overwhelming to function normally from day to day, it is important to seek treatment. Here are the most common signs of clinical depression in men and women.
Most people suffering from depression experience changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. Some people find themselves overeating, which seems to alleviate feelings of sadness, boredom, or emptiness momentarily. Others lose their drive to eat and experience loss of appetite and weight loss. Sleeping becomes effected also. Sleeping more or less than usual is a common sign of depression. Some people experience insomnia while dealing with depression, and some seem to be able to sleep nonstop and don’t have a drive to get out of bed. Any noticeable change in sleeping patterns for no apparent reason should be paid attention to.
Not having any energy is another common sign of depression. If your energy level is down for no apparent reason and you feel yourself being fatigued more often than usual, it might be an effect caused from depression. Depression is debilitating and can drain your body of energy to the point where all of your previous physical daily activities start becoming overwhelming and feeling impossible to complete. You may also experience aches and pains in various areas of your body that will not get better or go away. This can include persistent headaches and continuous cramping.
A very obvious sign of depression are continuous negative emotions and feelings. You may feel guilty, helpless, etc. You may not be able to shake those sad, anxious feelings no matter what you do. Depression can cause feelings of worthlessness and emptiness. Many people who suffer from depression begin losing interest in everything they enjoyed previously. They no longer enjoy their usual hobbies and regular activities. This can include going out with friends, exercising, even having sex. You may also have problems with concentration, remembering things, and decision making, and having a general feeling of “fogginess”.
One of the most serious and notable signs of depression are thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. There is a high risk of suicide when depression is involved. If you are having suicidal thoughts or tendencies, you should call the suicide hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE immediately. If you have been experiencing any or all of these warning signs of depression for a few weeks or more, you may want to seek treatment with a mental health professional. There are several different treatment options, including but not limited to counseling and depression medications.