“Being unhappy isn’t the same as being depressed” is a common misconception. While it’s understandable that many people use the terms loosely, major depressive disorder (depression) is much more complicated. It’s diagnosed based on certain symptoms. So when you’re feeling sad after a bad week at work, it might not be depression; but if you find yourself unhappy for no reason, then it’s likely that you’re dealing with depression.
Depression is a very real illness and not a way to get sympathy from those around you, it can be destructive to one’s life. If you think you are falling into depression, it is important to listen to your body and take care of yourself.
When you’re experiencing persistent and unshakable dark feelings on a daily basis, depression may be the culprit. Check out these warning signs on whether it’s time for you to see a mental health professional.
1. Irritability.
Depression can come with anger and irritability, not only sadness and misery. Most people think of depression as a feeling of extreme sadness, but some people with depression feel mad instead.
Have you been feeling irritable, or like people need to walk on eggshells around you? This might be a sign of depression. Instead of blaming your impatience and anger on your workload or stress level, take a moment to consider the possibility that you might be struggling with depression.
2. Sleep difficulties.
Sometimes it’s just not possible to sleep. A restless night or two is normal, but persistent sleep troubles can be a symptom of depression. If you have trouble sleeping, despite feeling exhausted, consult a doctor. It could be a sign of depression.
Have you been feeling like you’re always tired? Always asleep at the desk? Seems like you’ve been putting in too many hours lately? You could be experiencing depression. Depression can often make you sleepier than usual, and it’s important to address the underlying causes of your changing sleep habits.
3. Aches and pains,
The mind and body are closely linked. When you’re struggling with mental health problems, for instance, there’s a good chance that you’ll experience physical problems too.
Back pain, headaches, and sore muscles can often be signs of depression. Some people might easily dismiss these aches and pains as a normal part of aging, but it is important to address mental health.
4. Changes in appetite and weight.
Mental health is a delicate topic. However, the National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately one in five people experience mental illness in their lifetime. This experience can be different for everyone and may vary with frequency and severity. One feeling that many people experience is weight gain or weight loss. For some, this may mean an increased appetite, leading to weight gain. It could also mean less hunger, leading to weight loss.
One way to tell if a dietary change is related to depression is whether it was intentional or not. If it wasn’t, it may mean that it was caused by depression.
5. Decreased energy.
There are many symptoms of depression, such as lack of energy and moodiness, that can lead to feelings of lethargy and tiredness. When someone notices that they’re always tired or feeling drained, it’s possible that they might be suffering from depression. Many people who have the condition don’t recognize the signs and chalk it up to not sleeping or a difficult work schedule.
But consider how your energy level may have shifted over time. If you feel less motivated or have a harder time finishing tasks, you may be experiencing depression.
6. Guilt
Unnecessarily blaming yourself for everything in your life isn’t healthy. It’s natural to feel guilty about certain things that have happened, but if you’re feeling guilty about everything from your divorce onward, including a fight you got into as a kid, you may be depressed.
Depression can also show up in an excessive inner monologue. If your thoughts are excessively negative, it’s a sign that you may be feeling down.
7. Recklessness
Despite party animal appearances, people who are suffering inside may be behaving recklessly. They may engage in activities, such as gambling, risky sexual behavior, and substance abuse, to mask their unpleasant emotions.
It’s not always easy to see the signs of depression. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether someone is feeling sad, bored, or even out of control — and we shouldn’t assume we know what someone else is going through. Many people who suffer from depression try to cope with their inner turmoil by taking risks they know are bad for them. These unhealthy coping skills provide temporary relief, but they only worsen the problem in the long term.
8. Concentration problems.
If it feels like you’re forgetting things a lot lately, or you’re having trouble focusing on anything, it could be a warning sign that you’re depressed. If you suspect that you have depression, it’s important to get help from a doctor. Depression can make it difficult to think clearly and perform daily tasks, such as remembering where your keys are.
It’s easy to become distracted by the power of today’s digital world. If you’re not being as productive as usual, there could be various reasons. One possibility is that you have a mood disorder. The symptoms may include difficulty concentrating or staying on task.
How to get help?
If you think you may be suffering from depression, it is important to speak with your doctor. There are many treatment options for this disease, including therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. And it is important to remember that feeling depressed does not make you weak. People with immense mental strength often succumb to mental health problems.