Understanding Depression: Signs, Symptoms & Causes
Feeling down from time to time is normal; every one of us has felt sad sometimes, whether due to Workload, relationships, or other personal issues. We have spent some time of our lives feeling lonely and heartbroken. But after that certain phase has passed, our mood changes, and we move on to our lives, right?
But what if this isn't the case? That sadness and frustration become never-ending, and these emotions start to affect other aspects of your life, preventing you from coping with this situation as you used to. It may be because you are going towards "depression."
This depression can affect every aspect of your life, from your thinking ability to perform daily activities; it can change your emotions and how you feel. Sometimes, you are all frustrated, and nothing seems to be going well in your life. Then, it is time for you to take notice.
By recognizing and noticing your symptoms and how this condition is affecting your daily routine, you can take the first step toward feeling better and overcoming this mental health condition.
Signs & Symptoms:
Depression varies from person to person; some people have mild depression, so they don't have many symptoms as compared to those who have severe depression. Here are some of the common symptoms. But just keep in mind that these symptoms can also be a part of life's normal ups and downs. So, the more symptoms you have and the stronger they are, the higher the chances for you to deal with depression.
Feeling Helpless & Hopeless:
Sometimes, it may feel like you are "stuck in a black hole," and there is no way they can get out of that hole and get back to their normal life. At that point, it may seem like there isn't anything that can help you to improve your condition.
Low Level of Energy:
Feeling exhausted all the time is also one of the common symptoms of depression. Doing a little effort, even getting out of bed, may seem challenging. And you couldn't do the task you do in a normal routine.
Loss of Interest in Things You Used to Love:
Not cooking your favorite meals, going to the gym, or meeting with your friends can also mean you are going toward depression. No one says that taking a day off from the gym or not cooking can be a problem. But if these sudden changes are taking a longer period, then it can be alarming,
The feeling of Guilt or Worthlessness:
Certain thoughts, like you are always in the wrong or you have let people down. Being a burden on others is also a sign of depression. These thoughts may be triggered by a certain event or setback.
Change in Eating & Sleeping Patterns:
A sudden reduction in appetite or eating more than usual in the past few days can also be the induction of depression, and the same goes for sleep patterns. Both sleeping more and struggling to get back to sleep are the warning signs of depression.
Struggling to Concentrate:
If you have noticed that you are not focusing on the TV you are watching or listening to your friend's conversation, or you cannot perform your work properly, or even the simple routines like shopping or cleaning, then it may be time for you to take notice or talk to a mental health professional.
What Causes These Symptoms?
Depression can affect anyone at any stage of life. From genetics to lifestyle factors, there can be anything that can trigger this mental health condition.
Here are a few common causes;
Life Events: Have you ever asked yourself why you are feeling that way, or is your change in mood a reaction to something? Well, these sudden changes in your emotions and behavior can be due to challenging life events. Losing a job, a relationship breakdown, losing loved ones, and so on can push you into depression.
Medications: These symptoms of depression can also be due to the reaction of some medications. Regular use of alcohol, other drugs, or even prescribed medications can be associated with low mood.
Genetics: A family history or genetics may increase the risk of developing depression. According to a scientific estimate, in 40% of major depressive cases, genetics are the primary cause. So, it is more likely to face depressive symptoms if anyone in the family has depression or other mood disorders.
Poor Nutrition: A poor diet can also contribute to depression in many different ways. High deficiency of vitamins and minerals can also cause symptoms of depression.
Final Words
Depression is not like other health conditions in which you can take medication and get rid of it. It is a mental health condition that affects your whole life. And it takes some time to get through this.
But that does not mean that it is not treatable; there are a lot of things, from lifestyle changes to healthy habits, which can help you in improving your symptoms of depression. However, if the symptoms are getting stronger, then it is better to ask for help from a healthcare provider.
But what if this isn't the case? That sadness and frustration become never-ending, and these emotions start to affect other aspects of your life, preventing you from coping with this situation as you used to. It may be because you are going towards "depression."
This depression can affect every aspect of your life, from your thinking ability to perform daily activities; it can change your emotions and how you feel. Sometimes, you are all frustrated, and nothing seems to be going well in your life. Then, it is time for you to take notice.
By recognizing and noticing your symptoms and how this condition is affecting your daily routine, you can take the first step toward feeling better and overcoming this mental health condition.
Signs & Symptoms:
Depression varies from person to person; some people have mild depression, so they don't have many symptoms as compared to those who have severe depression. Here are some of the common symptoms. But just keep in mind that these symptoms can also be a part of life's normal ups and downs. So, the more symptoms you have and the stronger they are, the higher the chances for you to deal with depression.
Feeling Helpless & Hopeless:
Sometimes, it may feel like you are "stuck in a black hole," and there is no way they can get out of that hole and get back to their normal life. At that point, it may seem like there isn't anything that can help you to improve your condition.
Low Level of Energy:
Feeling exhausted all the time is also one of the common symptoms of depression. Doing a little effort, even getting out of bed, may seem challenging. And you couldn't do the task you do in a normal routine.
Loss of Interest in Things You Used to Love:
Not cooking your favorite meals, going to the gym, or meeting with your friends can also mean you are going toward depression. No one says that taking a day off from the gym or not cooking can be a problem. But if these sudden changes are taking a longer period, then it can be alarming,
The feeling of Guilt or Worthlessness:
Certain thoughts, like you are always in the wrong or you have let people down. Being a burden on others is also a sign of depression. These thoughts may be triggered by a certain event or setback.
Change in Eating & Sleeping Patterns:
A sudden reduction in appetite or eating more than usual in the past few days can also be the induction of depression, and the same goes for sleep patterns. Both sleeping more and struggling to get back to sleep are the warning signs of depression.
Struggling to Concentrate:
If you have noticed that you are not focusing on the TV you are watching or listening to your friend's conversation, or you cannot perform your work properly, or even the simple routines like shopping or cleaning, then it may be time for you to take notice or talk to a mental health professional.
What Causes These Symptoms?
Depression can affect anyone at any stage of life. From genetics to lifestyle factors, there can be anything that can trigger this mental health condition.
Here are a few common causes;
Life Events: Have you ever asked yourself why you are feeling that way, or is your change in mood a reaction to something? Well, these sudden changes in your emotions and behavior can be due to challenging life events. Losing a job, a relationship breakdown, losing loved ones, and so on can push you into depression.
Medications: These symptoms of depression can also be due to the reaction of some medications. Regular use of alcohol, other drugs, or even prescribed medications can be associated with low mood.
Genetics: A family history or genetics may increase the risk of developing depression. According to a scientific estimate, in 40% of major depressive cases, genetics are the primary cause. So, it is more likely to face depressive symptoms if anyone in the family has depression or other mood disorders.
Poor Nutrition: A poor diet can also contribute to depression in many different ways. High deficiency of vitamins and minerals can also cause symptoms of depression.
Final Words
Depression is not like other health conditions in which you can take medication and get rid of it. It is a mental health condition that affects your whole life. And it takes some time to get through this.
But that does not mean that it is not treatable; there are a lot of things, from lifestyle changes to healthy habits, which can help you in improving your symptoms of depression. However, if the symptoms are getting stronger, then it is better to ask for help from a healthcare provider.
