Depression Symptoms
If you have depression, you may experience several symptoms. This could include sadness or despair. However, they may also be physical problems, like headaches or stomach pain.
If you have depression, you might benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy with an expert in mental health) or medication. Sometimes, both are used in conjunction.
Feelings of sadness or despair
A feeling of sadness or hopelessness is a common sign of depression. This isn't the "blues," which everyone occasionally experiences, nor a mood of depression that could be the result of an event that is stressful in your life, such as the loss of a loved on or losing a position. People who suffer from depression feel depressed and hopeless all or most of the time even when they're in the middle of a crisis.
Some people may no longer take pleasure in hobbies, social activities or work. The inability to feel pleasure is called anhedonia. They aren't convinced that things will improve. These thoughts can cause people to consider suicide or self-harm. If this occurs, the person should seek immediate help.
People suffering from depression often blame themselves for their negative feelings and feel guilty about the things they've said or done. Brain fog is another symptom of depression that can cause people to be unable to remember things.
To determine if you are suffering from depression, it is important to speak with an expert in mental health or a doctor. The symptoms of depression vary for everyone, but they are typically present throughout the time, almost every day, and for more than two weeks. The doctor will ask you questions and conduct an examination of your body. The doctor will also go over the patient's medical and family history. A blood test can be ordered to rule-out a medical cause of the symptoms, such as a thyroid issue. Depression can be treated using psychotherapy, medication or both. It can take a long time for depression to improve. If you're suffering from depression, it is important to adhere to your treatment program.
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
The feelings associated with depression can influence how you think and behave. This can make it difficult to focus even on things that are important to you. You may also have difficulty making decisions and finding the appropriate words to communicate your feelings. Depression can create a lot of anxiety and may cause feelings of despair or helplessness. But there are steps you can take to get better.
It's normal to experience low moods, but you have to experience five or more symptoms every day for at least two weeks in order to be considered clinically depressed. Your mental health professional also needs to rule out other possible causes for these symptoms, for instance an illness or substance use.
Depression can lead to issues at school, work or in relationships. Depression can also trigger many other physical and mental health problems, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue and back pain. It can increase the risk of suicide.
Depression is more common in women than in men. However it is possible for anyone to get it. Certain individuals are at greater risk, including those who have experienced significant losses or traumatizing incidents, those who have suffered heart attacks or strokes and those suffering from certain medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease, chronic illness and thyroid disorder. There is evidence that suggests that changes in the structure of the brain can contribute to depression, especially in the frontal lobe.
Depression among teens is a growing issue. Many factors, including friends, family, and cultural changes, can impact the moods of adolescents. Some teenagers become depressed when they attend college and are exposed to a variety of lifestyles and experiences for the first time.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too frequently
People with depression may struggle to sleep when their mind is active or anxious. For other people they experience the opposite: they sleep too much because they are tired. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it's crucial to seek help. Depression is treatable with psychotherapy or medication. The most effective treatment for depression is a combination therapy and medication. People of all ages may experience mood swings. However, it is more prevalent in those who have an ancestral history of depression or other mental health disorders. Communities with a high level of stress are also vulnerable. This includes African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos and American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Depression is a nebulous illness, and it's always easy to know the root cause. Some types of depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance within the brain. Others are thought to be prevalent in families. Depression can be caused by a life event such as a death or divorce. It could also be triggered by a physical issue, like an injury or illness.
Depression can also trigger weight gain or lose. It can make a person more irritable. Sometimes it can cause physical pain such as joint or back discomfort, digestive issues and difficulty sleeping. Depression can also lead to slower speech and movements. Depression can sometimes lead to suicidal feelings or thoughts. Call a crisis hotline, or suicide helpline right away if you suspect that someone close to you is contemplating suicide. It's crucial to be there for them and seek out professional assistance like a spiritual leader or a minister from their faith group.
Loss of interest or pleasure in a variety of activities.
Depression is a mood disorder that affects the way you feel, think and behave. It causes a persistent feeling of hopelessness and sadness which makes it difficult to enjoy the things you once considered enjoyable. It can also affect your appetite, sleep, and energy levels. It can make you irritable or easily angry and may cause you to have thoughts about suicide. Depression can strike at any age and be treated with counseling or medication.
Depression can begin after an unfortunate event in your life, like the loss of a job, divorce or the death of a family member. It is also possible to suffer from depression without a reason. This is known as situational depression. This is more common among teenagers. The symptoms are usually short-lived and improve with time.
People with depression may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, or have depression throughout the day and nearly every day. They might lose enjoyment or interest in a wide range of things, including social activities, hobbies and sex. They might sleep too little or too much. They might feel guilty or unworthy and have a bleak outlook or believe that nothing will change. The symptoms can last for the majority of the day for at least two weeks.
The signs of depression vary from person-to-person however, they all have periods of sadness, or "the blues." Clinical depression is diagnosed when feelings last for more than a week and interfere with your everyday life and relationships. Men and women are affected by depression differently. Certain men suffering from depression do not seek help. They may not recognize that their symptoms are depression, and instead blame their anger or agitation on issues with their relationships or work or engage in risky behaviours such as drinking excessive alcohol.
Thinking about death or suicide
While only a tiny percentage of people who consider suicide end up killing themselves, the thoughts are extremely serious and should not be dismissed lightly. They can cause someone to commit actions that could result in harm or even death. For instance driving recklessly, or letting go of valuable possessions. They could also plan how they will die or attempt to kill themselves. For instance they could plan to make an arsenal or write a note to loved family members.
These thoughts are often related to depression, but they can happen without being diagnosed with depression. In reality, they are more common in people who have an history of abuse or trauma and also those who don't have a close relationship. Women are more likely to develop them than men, and they can start at any time.
Depression can be caused by a range of things, such as certain medications, thyroid or adrenal gland problems or even certain illnesses. Depression may not have a clear reason, and it can develop slowly over several months or weeks. People who have depression may feel sad and hopeless and lose interest in things that used to bring them pleasure. postnatal depression symptoms I Am Psychiatry may not be able to focus or find it hard to sleep and may experience feelings of guilt or a sense of worthlessness.
Depression can make people feel hopeless and lonely. They may not realize that there are people who care for them. This includes family and friends teachers, pastors, teachers and other religious leaders, and community members. People can help the family member or friend who is thinking of suicide by staying with them and encouraging them to seek professional help. They can also dial 911 or an emergency number in their area and remain with them until assistance arrives.