Signs of Depression or How Do I Know If I’m Depressed?

Posted: October 9, 2019
Category: Anxiety, Depression, Stress

Signs of Depression

Are You Really Depressed?

There’s a difference between sadness and depression. While we all get a little sad from time to time, depression is an illness, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide – at least 2 million of which are children. The disorder goes beyond simple mood fluctuations. Many things can cause depression, from grief to unexplained misery caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Experts theorize that all mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, are caused by these imbalances.

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.

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Mild depressive episodes:

Patients often experience difficulty focusing during both work and leisure hours, but haven’t lost function entirely.

Severe depressive episodes:

It’s highly unlikely the sufferer will have any energy or motivation to work or engage in hobbies at all.

Signs of depression
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Bipolar Affective Disorder:

Bipolar is a different type of depression characterized by both depressive and manic mood episodes. Patients are either incredible elated or severely down.

Suggestion for read: Helping Someone With Depression

Depression is usually the result of intertwining social, biological, and psychological factors, from adverse life events to traumas, health problems, and more. If you believe that you or anyone else you know could be depressed, every second counts.
Don’t be afraid to seek help from a qualified therapist who will support and guide you in a positive and totally confidential environment. You could just save a life.

It’s important to note that everyone’s experience of depression is unique, and individuals may not exhibit all these symptoms. Additionally, depression can coexist with other mental health conditions or physical illnesses. If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression, it is crucial to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist, can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Research

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
https://depression.org.nz/is-it-depression-anxiety/self-test/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mood-self-assessment/

Inquire Talk certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

Sandra Retmanski

Carmen Winch

Jo Pang

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