Depression is a mental health condition that can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and daily functioning. It’s essential to recognize the signs of depression, as early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in the individual’s well-being.
Most Common Signs of Depression
So, how do you know if you’re depressed? Which are the signs of depression? While no self-test can compare to a professional medical diagnosis, there are some questions you can start asking yourself to determine your need for professional help:
- Do you struggle to sleep at night?
- Do you wake up regularly throughout the night?
- Are you bored a lot?
- Do you ever feel helpless or worthless?
- Would you prefer to stay at home than go out and face the world?
- Have you lost interest in activities/hobbies you once loved?
- Do you feel happy or sad most of the time?
- Are you full of energy, or do you lack it?
- Do you believe other people have better lives than you?
- Do you feel as though your life is empty and lacks meaning?
- Do you enjoy being alive?
If you answered yes to one of more of the above questions, it could be time to seek medical help – especially if your symptoms have lasted for more than two weeks and you are experiencing sleep disturbances, a loss of appetite, or/and a feeling of worthlessness. Left untreated, depression can grow worse with time and spiral into something more sinister than negative emotions. It’s important to remember that depression isn’t black and white, and episodes can vary from mild to moderate to severe. A medical professional will want to know more about your history, and if you’ve ever experienced manic episodes.
