Depression is one of the most heartbreaking diseases, as it often goes undiagnosed because the signs of depression can be hard to spot. The empty emotions, sad thoughts, and constant struggle to stay motivated can be shrugged off as “being lazy” or “not trying.” Other people expect the suffering individual to simply work through it and stop being depressed. You can’t just stop being depressed! It is an illness too many suffer from. When people embrace depression as a disease, only then that it can be treated.
Signs of Depression
If you or someone you know is suffering from one or more of these 11 signs of depression, then it is time to talk to someone and get help.
Feelings of Hopelessness
You feel helpless and that your life is no longer in your control; you don’t see a happy future for yourself.
Loss of Interest in Daily Living
Doing the laundry and dishes is difficult, but even climbing out of bed is something you mentally have to force yourself to do.
Weight Gain or Loss
You can’t stomach the thought of another tasteless meal, and your constant uneasy stomach makes it impossible to eat healthy meals, causing you to lose weight; or you gain weight as you turn to food to fill an empty place inside you and avoid doing other activities.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
You might sleep for long periods, take naps regularly, struggle with insomnia, or stay in bed the entire day. Your sleep patterns are completely messed up, and no matter how much sleep you get, you are still exhausted.
Easily Irritated
You suddenly get annoyed at friends and family members over little things. You overreact in situations and get angry faster than normal.
No Energy
You drag yourself from bed to the couch, and although you sleep plenty at night, you can’t seem to find the energy to do daily tasks.
Trouble Focusing
When given a task, you struggle to stay focused on it; your concentration is nonexistent. You procrastinate or leave countless projects unfinished.
Low Self-Esteem
You hate yourself for your lack of energy, weight problems, and sad feelings. You blame yourself for the depression and begin hating the person you see in the mirror.
Reckless Behavior
You drive too fast, accumulate credit card debt, drink excessively, or hurt your body or finances in other ways.
Crying Regularly
Although not everyone with depression experiences excessive crying, your sadness might overwhelm you throughout the day and leave you in tears. You might cry without reason and need moments alone to just let the tears flow freely.
Struggling to Leave the House
Your low energy and low self-esteem make it hard to leave the house. You want to get out, but you can’t find the energy or motivation to leave.
Depression is serious and affects millions of people throughout the world. It doesn’t care how rich, poor, or famous you are; depression can attack at any moment in life without any warning. The best way to treat your depression is to seek the help of a professional. They can prescribe medications to aid in your battle and help you work through thoughts and emotions. Don’t diagnose yourself, but use these signs of depression as inspiration to seek out the help you need. After talking to a professional, you can do a few things yourself to keep the progress steady. Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally boost “happy” chemicals in the brain. Eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary snacks can also power your body and give you needed energy. No one has to battle depression alone; you can overcome it with the right tools and people.
The signs of depression can be hard to see unless you know what you’re looking for. Morningside Recovery can guide you toward the help you need for yourself or a loved one. We offer general mental health treatment, as well as depression treatment specifically. To find out more, call us at 855-631-2135.
By Michelle Conway
Photo by: Brandon Giesbrecht (Flickr)
