Depression is the leading cause of suicide across the world. Depression is a very serious mental health condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly if you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with it. This mental health condition is widely misunderstood but can be treated with both psychotherapy and medications. However, the hardest part of depression is seeing the signs before they become very serious and life threatening. For those who are concerned, here are the vital signs that you need to look out for when it comes to depression so you, or someone you know, can get help as soon as possible. Let’s take a look.

Signs of Depression You Shouldn’t Dismiss

  1. Feeling Helpless, Worthless or Guilty

Depression can cause mixed feelings in someone who has the condition. One of the first signs that you shouldn’t ignore is when you, or someone you know, is feeling helpless, worthless, or guilty of something they don’t need to feel guilty about. Due to the changes in brain chemicals, a person will begin to feel a persistent sadness that encompasses all these emotions. While it may be common from time to time to feel one of these emotions, it’s when they persist longer than a week and continue on for months or years after they were initially triggered that it becomes a problem.

feeling-helpless

  1. Loss Of Interest In The Things You Love

Another sign of depression which shouldn’t be ignored is a lack of pleasure or interest in the things you once loved and adored. This can be anything from sex to hobbies, or just hanging out with friends and family. Depression tends to make you feel like you’re alone in the world and also makes you feel unmotivated towards things. This is why your interest in the things you once loved starts to fade. It doesn’t give you the warmth and appeal it once did and generally causes you to feel empty inside. If you’re feeling this way it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

Related Article: 5 Surprising Effects of Sleep Deprivation
  1. Persistently Feeling Empty or Anxious

Depression can also make you feel consistently anxious or create a persistent emptiness that can’t be filled by doing things that you used to love. It feels as if there’s a hole in you that can’t be filled and the longer that you feel empty inside, the sadder you become. This is generally a downward spiral that is very serious as it can lead to a point of severe depression and suicidal thoughts. You may also encounter a persistent anxious feeling which won’t disappear no matter how hard you try.

  1. Suicidal Thoughts

This is an extremely vital sign not to miss. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or suicidal tendencies, it’s extremely important to seek professional help immediately. Suicidal thoughts are very serious and mean that the depression is extremely severe. Without help, a person will try to commit suicide to be free from the pain they’re feeling in life. This is why someone who has severe depression and sadness will tend to see suicide appealing and a way out of a tough life. They don’t see the beauty in life anymore, so they don’t see the happiness through their rain. This is why if you or someone you know is feeling this way, you must seek professional help immediately.

  1. Feeling Fatigued All The Time

Constant depression can make you feel tired all the time. Many people have talked about a feeling as if you’re slowing down and becoming numb. A feeling of fatigue is quite common. This is because your mind is continuously racing with thoughts or is overloaded causing mental fatigue. This mental fatigue can cause your energy levels to decrease making you tired all the time. This is why a person who is suffering from depression may find it hard getting out of bed, doing simple housework, or even just getting through the day. This fatigue, combined with continuous thoughts of helplessness, worthlessness, sadness, or guilt, makes it hard for anyone who is depressed to function in everyday life.

feeling-fatigued

Conclusion

Depression is a leading mental health condition that is life threatening if not treated immediately. If you or someone you know is experiencing or exhibiting any of these signs, it’s very important to seek help immediately. Have you, or someone you know, been experiencing these signs of depression?

Disclaimer: All images are provided by the author.

About Author:

Joel Curtis is a registered Psychologists with Endeavour Wellness and has over 17 years of experience. Joel holds a Masters’ Degree in Psychology from Western Sydney University. Joel owns a number of private practices in Sydney and provides expert content for several national TV and Radio programs.

Love to Share