April 29, 2022 BY WorkSocial Press and Editorial
Around 9.5% of American adults ages 18 and over suffer from a depressive illness every year.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting over 264 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Depression can impact how individuals think, feel, behave, and interact with others.
But what does depression look like? Depression can show in various ways, but there are a few common signs to look out for. Knowing common symptoms of depression can help you recognize if the specific feelings you’re experiencing are related to depression.
Please keep in mind that depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all mental health condition. Signs of depression will often vary from person to person, and symptoms are usually based on the specific type of depression you have. That said, even people with the same kind of depression may experience different symptoms. Below are five common symptoms of depression. If you experience any of the following symptoms for the majority of the day for more than two weeks, it may be a strong indicator that you have depression.
While everyone has good and bad days, it could be an issue if you notice the ‘bad’ days significantly outweigh the good.
Again, being in a sour mood now and again is normal. But heightened or unexplained irritability could be a sign of depression. For example, if you can’t shake off a bad mood or little things make you feel more agitated than usual, it’s a red flag.
For some, depression may cause a drastic change in appetite. Some people with depression may eat more, while others may experience a decrease in their appetites. A change in appetite can have adverse side effects on your overall well-being. If you’re gaining or losing weight and think it could be related to depression, consider medical treatment.
This is one of the most significant signs of depression. When you live with depression, activities that you once enjoyed, like meeting up with friends, hobbies, or going out to eat can seem arbitrary or pointless.
While it’s natural to lose interest in certain things as we age, if you feel like you can’t muster up the energy to meet up with friends or do the things you used to enjoy, you might be depressed.
Are you getting too much or too little sleep? Another warning sign of depression is wanting to sleep or stay in bed all day. Many people who suffer from depression have a hard time sleeping at night, and by morning, they don’t have the desire to get out of bed.
Too much or little sleep can lead to moodiness, headaches, and more severe clinical depression.
Feeling useless, unworthy, and hopeless are all telltale signs of depression. It’s important to remember that everyone has these moments of feeling sad or low, but feeling this way always is cause for concern. If you’re depressed, you might constantly be feeling undeserving or inadequate in multiple areas of your life, including your work, school, social, or love life.
Depending on the severity of depression you’re experiencing, suicidal thoughts may also come up. Suicidal ideation is an immediate cause for concern. If you or someone you know has expressed suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. This is a 24/7 free lifeline for confidential support from trained professionals. There is even an online chat if you’re more comfortable that way!
Do any of the above symptoms sound familiar? What you’re experiencing may be depression. But always remember that depression is a common, treatable mental illness. If you think you’re experiencing any type of depression, talk with your doctor. If needed, your primary care physician may refer you to a mental health professional. Additionally, there are plenty of online resources where you can speak to a professional on Zoom or video chat rather than going for an in-person meeting.
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