Feeling ‘stressed’ is one thing, however when symptoms progress and worsen, signs of depression and other mental health issues can emerge.
Unlike stress, depression is an illness. There are many symptoms that can affect how we think, feel and behave which vary from person to person as does the severity.
Mostly if you are depressed, you often feel intense and persistent low mood and lose the ability to feel pleasure and joy.
Here are some common signs of depression:
Psychological/Emotional
- General low mood and feeling intense sadness
- Helplessness and hopelessness
- Tearful
- Irritability
- Low self esteem and confidence
- Feelings of guilt
- Lack of motivation and energy
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Thoughts of self harm and/or suicide
Physical
- Lethargy and or/aching joints
- Headaches and migraines
- Libido – lack of interest in sex
- Unsettled sleep (waking early or not being able to get to sleep)
- Sleeping too much (sometimes an indication of unconscious avoidance which can be an unhelpful coping mechanism)
- Appetite and diet changes
- Digestive problems
- Weak immune system – susceptible to colds/flu and other viruses
Behavioural
- Withdrawing from people and social activity
- Relationship and family problems
- Issues at work with colleagues and performance
- No longer partaking in hobbies and interests
If you think you may be suffering from depression and are experiencing some or many of the above signs of depression every day and have been for more than two weeks, then please see your doctor for further help.
If you are concerned that someone you know and care about may be showing signs of depression, then perhaps encourage them to see their doctor.
It is really tough living with someone with depression so it is also important that you take care of yourself too. If the person you are concerned about is resistant to getting help then ‘plant the seed’ in how they can get help and hope that they will when they are ready. Listening to your loved one is the best way to help them. Counselling is only effective if the person wants to be there and is aware that they are perhaps unwell.
The below video clip is from the World Health Organization and is especially for those who care for someone who has depression.
Please be aware that if you have suffered a loss or are grieving or perhaps going through a particularly traumatic time in your life, then it would be normal for you to feel sad and low in mood at times – your doctor would hopefully reassure you about this.
Depression is an illness, not a temporary state of low mood.