Warning Signs For Depression: What All You Need To Look Out For

Many people end up confusing depression with sadness. In fact, many people often end up using the term depression loosely whenever they are having a bad day or going through a bad phase in life.

But you should know that depression is much more complicated and is a serious mental condition.

People going through depression describe it as a feeling of “living in a black hole” or “impending doom.” Some people have also been reported feeling lifeless and even apathetic. If left untreated, the condition takes over your life and distorts your mental health.

So, the first step towards depression treatment is to look out for the warning signs. If you see them in you or anyone near you, make sure you take immediate action.

Hopeless attitude towards life

According to psychologists, depression affects your mood and your perception of life.

Feeling hopeless or having a helpless attitude towards life is one of the common signs of depression. Additionally, you might even start experiencing worthlessness or self-hate, or even inappropriate guilt towards yourself.

For instance, a person with depression would start making statements such as “It’s all because of me,” “Everything is my fault,” or “What’s the point of all this?”

So, if you feel that you or anyone near you is having such hopeless feelings towards everything, it would be best to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Increased fatigue and sleep issues

Psychologists have noticed the fact that one of the major reasons why you might not be able to enjoy life is because of your lack of energy.

You should know that depression comes with an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. This mental condition is also linked to sleep problems such as insomnia and excessive sleeping.

And it’s the other way around as well.

Not being able to achieve a good night’s sleep can lead to depression and other mental conditions such as anxiety.

Fluctuation in appetite and weight

It has also been noticed that people with depression also deal with changes in their weight and appetite.

The experience is different for every patient. Some people feel like eating for hours while others lose their appetite at all. And as your diet determines your weight, it is needless to say that both increased and loss of appetite can be problematic for you.

But how can you determine that the changes in your deity habits are related to depression? Well, if you are unintentionally overeating or not eating at all, there’s a good chance that you might be suffering from depression.

Suicidal thoughts

You’ll be surprised to know that more than 4200 people have lost their lives in the past few years due to depression.

Many depression patients have admitted that they often have suicidal thoughts. In fact, they’ve often found themselves looking for ways to harm themselves.

If you feel that someone is considering suicide or looking for ways to end their lives, make sure you handle it the right way. Your first reaction to it should be that you listen to them without any judgment. After that, you can recommend the person to seek professional help to save their lives.

The bottom line is,

Depression is not a phase; it is a serious mental condition tons of people are suffering with. So, watch out for these warning signs mentioned above so that you can seek help or help someone in need.