Recently, the term “depression” has become very common. Globally, around 5% of adults have depression, with women being more prone to this condition.
Unfortunately, depression, a mental health disorder, can often make it difficult to point out the signs and symptoms, even in one’s self.
However, if you keep your eyes and ears open, you can also recognize these signs and seek help! So now, let’s get started!
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Unless you understand the signs and symptoms of depression, you won’t be able to seek help.
Most healthcare professionals say that depression is a condition where a person’s low mood lasts for a consistent amount of time. It’s so intense that it even affects their physical and mental health and daily activities.
For many people, depression can also be a hereditary disease. Here are some of the common warning signs of depression:
Constant Low Mood
This is one of the clearest signs that a person is suffering from depression. Their mood seems constantly low, and they might even get irritated at the smallest things.
It’s important to realize that this low mood lasts for many weeks or months and never seems to go away.
Feelings of Hopelessness or Loneliness
Another common sign of depression is when you’re always haunted by the feeling that nobody really cares for you or wishes you well.
Depressed people have a hollow feeling inside them, which often translates to extreme loneliness. No matter what they do, they feel they have lost all hope.
Changes in Appetite
If depression persists for a long time, you will also notice a drastic change in your food habits. Some people heavily cut down on food and eat almost nothing throughout the day.
However, other patients with depression start binge eating and cannot seem to stop themselves.
Difficulty in Concentrating
Patients with depression, often students, have also said that this condition stops them from thinking or performing tasks. Their brain seems to be clouded or foggy all the time. This can ultimately result in low scores or decreased professional performance.
Impact of Depression
When left unchecked, depression can result in a horrifying situation where the sufferer constantly feels trapped and empty.
Unfortunately, thousands of people commit suicide simply because they, as well as their loved ones, cannot understand the impact of depression on the patient’s body and mind. So, here are some of how depression can heavily impact a patient:
Risks of Heart Attack
Even though this might sound surprising, severe forms of depression can often lead to cardiovascular diseases, most commonly heart attacks. Since the mind is preoccupied with negative thoughts, it increases the person’s blood pressure and the risk of heart problems.
Weight Gain or Loss
People suffering from depression can also see a drastic change in their weight. If they suddenly stop eating healthy meals and only resort to unhealthy binge eating, their weight will shoot up.
On the other hand, a person who doesn’t feel like eating anything will notice their weight falling.
Unexplained Pain
Very often, patients suffering from depression will also be haunted by unexplained pain in different parts of their bodies. Most commonly, they will suffer from headaches, stomach cramps, or even tenderness around the breasts, but the location and intensity of pain will vary.
Lower Interest in Sex
It isn’t difficult to see why. Someone who constantly feels low and uninterested in different activities will also show aversion towards sex. Even if they were once quite active in the bedroom, they might lose interest in any form of intimacy.
Inflammation
Depression, coupled with chronic stress, has shown inflammation in the patient’s body. In many cases, depression can also cause changes in the immune system, making the person more prone to infections and diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.
Seeking Help
If you feel that you have started to exhibit some or even all the signs and symptoms of depression, then you must seek help.
Even though accepting the condition takes a lot of time and mental strength, you should take active steps to make sure that your mental health condition does not worsen.
Here are Some Easy Steps to Ensure that you Walk Towards a Better Life
Tell Yourself that you aren’t Alone
The first step that you should take is to assure yourself that you aren’t alone in this journey. Even though depression can make you feel like you’re the only one stuck in an unending loop, know that this simply isn’t true. Many others around you are there to help.
Psychiatric Consultation
Patients who suffer from severe depression should always seek help from a licensed healthcare professional. Consulting a psychiatrist, especially at renowned facilities like Malibu Depression Treatment Centers, is crucial for effective management.
A psychiatrist possesses the expertise to diagnose your condition, considering individual factors and symptoms accurately. Following a thorough evaluation, they can prescribe appropriate medication tailored to your specific needs, helping alleviate depressive episodes and improve overall mental health.
Moreover, psychiatrists offer invaluable insights and guidance on lifestyle modifications and coping strategies that complement medication and therapy. By addressing the root causes of depression and adopting healthy habits, individuals can experience significant improvements in their well-being and quality of life.
Therefore, seeking professional help from a psychiatrist at reputable treatment centers is paramount for those struggling with severe depression.
Talk to a Trusted Person
In many cases, speaking to a trusted family member or a friend can ease your mind. Even if they can’t provide you with professional support, they’ll at least empathize with your condition and support you.
On days that you feel worse, make sure to reach out to them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to recognize the signs of depression and reach out for help when needed. Remember, you’re not alone in your struggles; seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Whether it’s through therapy, medication, or a combination of both, there are effective treatments available to help you overcome depression and regain control of your life. So, if you ever feel like slipping into a dark place where your mind refuses to see the brighter side of things, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Also read: Can Physiotherapy Help with Migraine Pain?
