Wondering whether you have signs of depression? It may be tough to tell if the symptoms you are feeling are signs of depression or a different medical issue. One of the reasons depressions signs are not well known is due to the stigma in discussing depression. Further, symptoms of depression can look very different in men and women.
Unlike some medical diagnoses, depression symptoms are not always explicit and a doctor or therapist needs to look at the totality of signs to make a diagnosis. Could you be depressed without know it? Below are 10 signs of depression
Weight Changes
Depression can cause a loss of interest in eating or a loss of appetite. On the flip side, it can also result in overeating or bingeing food. If you notice a change in your eating habits, this could be a symptom of depression.
Sleep Changes
Are you sleeping more than 8 hours a day or unable to fall asleep at night? Changes in typical sleep patterns can be related to depression. These changes may swing from side to side and are worth monitoring. Either symptom may be accompanied by waking up consistently in the middle of the night.
Difficulty Focusing
You may find yourself having difficulty concentrating at work or focusing on a specific task. If you always have this issue, it can be hard to tell that this is connected with depression. But, if this is a change from the norm for you, make sure to tell your doctor about it.
Body Pains
Body aches and pains can be symptoms of many issues. For that reason, it is often missed as a sign of depression. Because of the stigma of depression, many people are unaware that physical pains may be a symptom of depression. Stomach aches, decreased immune ability, and other physical symptoms can result from a depressive episode.
Anger and Irritability
This one is especially prevalent in men. Feeling like little things set you off could be a sign of depression turned inward. If you cannot let things go like you used to, you may be feeling the effects of depression.
Increased Drinking or Drug Use
Use of alcohol or substances is a common method of numbing the pain associated with depression. People suffering from depression often use these substances to mask the pain of their emotions. If you notice an increase in your use of drugs or alcohol, consider whether depression may be present.
Desire to Stay Home
Not interested in going out like you used to be? Feeling like you just want to stay in bed all day and watch Netflix? A change in your desire to interact with others may be depression.
Changes in Sex Drive
Not as interested in sex as you used to be? Depression can lower or completely eliminate your sex drive. This lack of desire can create a positive feedback loop that increases your feelings of sadness or worthlessness. In addition, a dip in your sexual desire could affect your partner and feed into your depression.
Over- or Undereating
Like the other depression signs, a change in eating behavior can swing in either direction. If you are eating too much or bingeing, this could be a sign of depression. Similarly, a loss in appetite or an inability to eat can signal depression.
Thoughts of Suicide
The most important sign to pay attention to are suicidal ideation. If you have thoughts of ending your life or feelings that things would be better off if you died, it is important that you immediately seek professional help. Suicidal thoughts are the most serious sign of depression and should be treated seriously. Depression like other medical ailments can be treated!
As noted in a recent PhillyVoice article, Google has made a screening tool available in its search results when a mobile user searches for a term like “clinical depression.” If these signs seem familiar to you, you should conduct a screening test or be assessed by a physician or mental health counselor.