The Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Every year, about 280 million individuals around the world are affected by depression, a common but serious mood disease. The stigma associated with mental health disorders can be lessened and you or a loved one can obtain the necessary support by being aware of the signs.

Emotional Symptoms

Every person has a unique experience with depression. While some people may only experience a few symptoms that improve over time, others may experience several symptoms that could improve. Because some people choose to hide their suffering and experience their emotions in secret, depression can be difficult to identify.

• • Extreme sadness
  • Anxious thoughts
  • Hopelessness
  • Pessimism or a negative outlook on life
  • Irritability
  • Guilt
  • Frustration
  • Restlessnes

Behavioral Symptoms

It’s normal to see behavioral changes as you start to feel emotional symptoms, and that’s okay. Changes in sleep patterns, weight, and energy levels, among other areas of your everyday life, are common in people with mood disorders.

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy
• Trouble concentrating on the task at hand
• Feeling like you have no energy
• Not having the motivation to exercise or move your body
• Difficulty making decisions
• Having a hard time remembering details
• Trouble falling asleep
• Sleeping too much
• Loss of appetite
• Urge to overeat
• Avoiding social situations and spending time with loved ones
• Thinking about or attempting self-harm or suicide

Physical Symptoms

According to research, there is an important link between the mind and body. As a result, experiencing depression may also result in physical symptoms.

• Muscle aches or general body aches
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Headache
• Digestion issues such as constipation or diarrhea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Restlessness
• Slow movement or speech
• Changes in your libido or sex drive
• Unintentional weight loss or weight gain

Physical signs may occasionally be easier for you and your loved ones to identify before emotional or behavior symptoms. If you start to experience physical discomfort or symptoms but have no underlying medical concerns, depression can be at play.

Depression Symptoms in Children

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, 3% of children under the age of 13 may exhibit depressive symptoms, while up to 20% of young people may experience depression as teenagers.

Children who are depressed frequently experience sadness, anger  and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. You might also observe that your child no longer wants to attend school, participate in extra activities, or hang out with their friends.

You can think about asking your child how they are feeling and what you can do to support them if you are worried about their mood. Consult their doctor or another primary healthcare doctors for guidance and treatment options if symptoms continue.

Men and Women’s Symptom

Depression can have various effects on different people. According to research, women and girls experience depression roughly twice as frequently as men and boys. Early studies suggest that hormonal changes may raise your risk of developing depression, but more research is needed to determine whether depression differs for all.

Studies have also shown that having chronic illnesses can make you more likely to suffer from mental health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, lupus, and various cancers are all very common in women. Living with a chronic ailment that has painful symptoms can have an impact on your mental health just as emotional emotions can cause physical pain.

Depression can be difficult to experience. Please remember that it’s OK to feel your feelings as they are. The good news is that you can treat your condition and reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms.