Depression can cause many symptoms for the sufferer. Sometimes people confuse depression with a case of the blues. A case of the blues will usually come and go within a few days. Depression lasts longer, usually weeks or months at a time. Sometimes depression can even last for years.
My depression started a few years ago. At first, I didn’t realize that I had depression. I kept thinking it was a temporary case of the blues that would just go away. Unfortunately, it was not and the depression got worse. Finally, I decided I needed to talk to a therapist.
While in counseling, I learned the signs and symptoms of depression. I was diagnosed with depression after a few sessions of treatment with the psychologist. That is when I realized what it is that I was suffering from.
Signs and symptoms of depression include lack of energy or motivation. A person with depression may not want to get out of bed in the morning. They may not get out of bed at all. The person may feel constantly fatigued, weak or tired.
Another sign or symptom of depression is losing interest in the things that you once enjoyed. If you lose interest in your hobbies or activities and nothing seems to bring you any satisfaction or joy, then you may be suffering from depression.
Some people with depression tend to isolate themselves from the outside world. They may spend a lot of time indoors, away from people. The person may find it hard to go to social functions.
Depression can cause sleep problems. Either the person will sleep too much or too little. The person may find that the depressed feelings are keeping them up at night. On the other hand, some people sleep many hours throughout the day and night to escape the depressed feelings.
Changes in appetite may be another sign of depression. You may not feel like eating much. You may lose your appetite altogether or you may end up eating too much. Some people who are depressed find comfort in different foods that they enjoy and may end up over eating.
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair are all symptoms of depression. Sometimes a person may feel that there is no way out of the depression. They may feel sad most or all of the time. To the depressed person, it seems that joy and happiness are so far out of reach. It may really feel like a dark cloud is hovering over your head.
Sometimes people who are depressed have suicidal thoughts and tendencies. They feel that their life is not worth living anymore. They feel extremely hopeless and think that suicide may be the only way out of the depression.
Other signs and symptoms include unexplained aches and pains, headaches, anxiety, irritability and trouble concentrating. Some people with depression find it hard to go to work, do daily activities and interact with other people. I have experienced every one of the signs and symptoms mentioned on this page. I know how very hard it is to live with depression.
There are treatments out there for depression. If you think you may be suffering from depression, it may help to talk to a mental healthcare professional. Depression hurts a lot. It may not just hurt you but those around you, such as your family and loved ones. Treating your depression may help to alleviate the symptoms and help you to find some happiness and joy in your life again.