5 Common Signs That Show You Have Depression.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes you to feel constant sadness and lack of interest in anything. Feeling sad or depressed are normal reactions to trauma, loss, or life's challenges, but intense sadness may signify that you are depressed. 

You may be suffering from more than just depression. The problem might be clinical depression, which is dealt with by medical professionals using antidepressants or therapy sessions. It can last for days to weeks and prevent you from living effectively.

Depression is a long-term disability and a severe disorder. It has no known cure, but you can manage it over time with care and treatment. Recovery is possible and will allow you to lead a healthy life.

What is Depression?

Depression can have a lot of factors, from genetic predispositions to factors over which you have little control. It’s often linked to poorer physical health or brain structure and can be treated by antidepressants, psychotherapy, and by practicing good lifestyle habits.

Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of depression that person has been suffering from for many years. Some people may lack the emotional intelligence to express their feelings, while others lack cognitive (thinking) abilities.

The most common symptoms of depression are difficulty concentrating on things or any task at hand, weight gain, or weight loss without trying to do so, among other physical problems such as increased fatigue and feeling sad for no reason whatsoever.

Usually, the signs of depression show themselves gradually and aren't always that obvious. Some of those symptoms are:

You Are Struggling To Get Out of Bed in the Morning

Living with depression can be challenging, but the symptoms you're experiencing are just one facet. Surprisingly, sometimes it can seem difficult to even get out of bed despite everything, but if you hope that things will get better, you are not alone.

If you have trouble waking up in the morning, it may be because you're stuck in a routine that's hard to get out of bed. However, if you start your day engaging in activities worth getting out of bed for, it may not seem so bad. You might even be able to have breakfast!

You Have Lost Interest in Your Favorite Activities

Losing interest in your favorite activities can be a sign of depression.

Depression is not always linked to low mood. It is also possible for someone to be depressed and not feel sad at all. This is mainly because they're used to the feeling and don't notice it as much.

What if you could just tap into your favorite activities and get the same joy you used to?

The first step is to look at the possible reasons you might be losing interest in your favorite activities. For example, it could be that you're tired, stressed, or bored with the activity itself, or it could be that something has changed – like a new job or a time commitment – and now you don't have as much time for yourself and your favorite pastimes.

You Feel Hopeless About the Future.

Depression doesn't just affect your mood. It affects how you feel about yourself and your relationships with other people. A depressed person may be very irritable or angry for no good reason. They may stop enjoying things they used to enjoy or find little pleasure in anything.

The future can be a scary place to think about, but it doesn't have to be.

There are many solutions for this - from talking with someone to reaching out for help. And remember, no one can predict the future, so don't forget to enjoy the present.

Your Sleep is Disturbed by Nightmares or Flashbacks

Many people who are depressed report feeling more tired than usual, but others say they have trouble sleeping at night and others still say they can't sleep at all!

The study shows that those who have a history of depression but are not receiving treatment are more likely to experience nightmares and flashbacks.

Daytime sleep may be disrupted by nightmares or flashbacks, which is a sign of depression. Nightmares and flashbacks are both indicators that the person is experiencing sleep disruptions. These sleep disturbances can also lead to other physical and mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

The good news is that there are some things you can do to get a more restful night of sleep. 

For example, you can build a routine that will help your body know when to sleep and when it's time to wake up. You can also choose more calming activities before bedtime, such as reading, meditation, or taking a warm bath.

Appetite Changes

People who have depression have a higher probability of obesity. This is because people with depression do not have the appetite to regulate their eating habits. When someone has lost weight without trying, they may be suffering from an eating disorder or another type of mental illness.

If your appetite changes for no reason, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with you and should be addressed by a doctor as soon as possible to avoid further damage and complications.

If you are struggling with depression or know someone who is, this might be of interest to you - the lack of appetite often associated with it will keep your weight down no matter what. This can sometimes lead people to think they are put on weight when they are not.

To Wrap Things Up…

Depression affects the way people think, feel and act. It can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 300 million people are living with depression across the world.

People need to seek help if they think they might be experiencing symptoms of depression because it could lead to suicide or other self-harm if left untreated.

If you or someone you know are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

If you are in a crisis or experiencing complex thoughts call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255).

Trust Mental Health can match you with a therapist that will understand your situation and help you take steps forward. We provide a safe space for understanding yourself.