Signs That Indicate You May Have Depression

By Author: Jason Pace
Total Articles: 58
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Depression can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or background. It can be difficult to recognise when someone is suffering from depression as the signs can be subtle. That’s why we have shared some of the common signs that indicate you might be struggling with depression so that you can consider depression therapy at the earlier stage.

Common Signs of Depression

Feeling Anxious or Irritable

If you’re struggling with anxiety and depression, you may find yourself feeling tense, overwhelmed, and even agitated for no obvious reason. Anxiety can also manifest itself as difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. If your moods are fluctuating quickly and you find yourself easily irritated or provoked to anger, this could be a sign that you’re struggling with depression.

If you’ve been feeling anxious or irritable for weeks at a time, it’s important to speak to a doctor or mental health professional to determine if depression might be the root cause.

Feeling Hopeless or Pessimistic

Depression can make it difficult to find joy in activities ...
... that you once enjoyed. It can also leave you feeling pessimistic about your future, as though you have no control over the direction of your life. A sense of hopelessness is one of the primary symptoms of depression, and it can often lead to a feeling of despair and powerlessness. This symptom can be difficult to recognise, as some people may try to hide their feelings of helplessness behind a facade of positivity. Pay attention to any negative thoughts or self-talk that might suggest that someone feels like they have no control over their life. If this symptom persists, seek professional help.

Feeling Fatigued or Low on Energy

One of the tell-tale signs of depression is feeling tired and lacking energy, no matter how much rest or sleep you get. This can include not being able to summon up the energy to do day-to-day tasks, like going to work, studying, or taking part in leisure activities that you normally enjoy. If you are struggling to muster the energy to perform everyday activities, it might be a sign that you are suffering from depression.

If this is something you are experiencing, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to your primary care doctor who can assess your situation and refer you the right depression treatment .

Sleeping Too Much or Too Little

People who are depressed may find themselves sleeping too much, or not being able to get enough rest. This can lead to feeling tired and lethargic, even after a full night’s rest.

Those struggling with depression may also experience sleeping too little, known as insomnia. Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms of depression, and can be characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up frequently throughout the night. If you find yourself consistently having difficulty getting enough rest, it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether depression might be the underlying cause.

Having Thoughts of Death or Suicide

Thoughts of death or suicide can be a serious sign of depression. When someone is feeling depressed, they may become so overwhelmed that they think of taking their own life as a way to end the pain.

If you are experiencing thoughts of death or suicide, you should talk to someone about it. Talking to a mental health professional, such as a therapist, can help you better understand your feelings and guide you on clinical depression treatments

It’s important to remember that feeling suicidal doesn’t mean that you actually want to die; it just means that you don’t know how to cope with the pain that you’re feeling. Reach out and get help before the pain becomes too unbearable.

Depression is common. More than 264 million people of all ages around the world suffer from depression.