10 Common Symptoms Of Depression
Around 9.5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression each year. Depression is a serious illness that has a negative impact on daily life and can destroy families.
It is a mental illness that causes loss of appetite, insomnia, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair by controlling the mind and its functions.
Depression manifests itself in a variety of ways, and the severity of the symptoms varies over time. Experts say depression can be inherited, brought on by life-threatening illnesses, or brought on by stress.
Other factors include illnesses, medications, drugs, alcohol, and mental illnesses. Hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause are all thought to contribute to women’s depression being higher than men’s.
The following are common signs and symptoms:
- A persistent sense of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.
- A sense of hopelessness that is accompanied by pessimism.
- Feelings of helplessness, extreme guilt, and a lack of self-worth.
- Loss of energy slowed metabolism and decreased activity levels. Constant fatigue is a problem for me.
- An increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness, as well as a sense of helplessness.
- Insomnia develops as a result of a lack of restful sleep.
- Unprecedented weight loss or gain. Loss of appetite or eating binges can set it off
- Suicidal thoughts and ideation
- Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.
- Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.
If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behaviour do consult your doctor. Your doctor will examine you thoroughly to rule out the physical causes of depression as well as any underlying medical issues. Then, if necessary, he will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Do, however, heed the doctor’s recommendations. Antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes are all options for treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy may be administered in extreme situations.
Do not hesitate to contact your local health department, a community mental health centre, or a hospital or clinic. Someone will lend a hand and guide you through the ordeal.
Take charge of the situation and try to
- clear your mind of all negativity.
- Delete words like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness from your vocabulary.
- Set a few goals for yourself to help you change your life.
- Relax, meditate, and listen to music. Begin new activities that will occupy both your time and your interests.
- Meet new people and get involved in group activities.
- Negative people should be avoided.
- Decide whether you want to go to a movie, a baseball game, a family outing, a picnic, or a hike.
- Be cheerful, self-assured, and believe in yourself.
- Faith is a powerful healer in and of itself. Decide to make a positive difference in the world.
