The normal ups and downs of life mean
that everyone feels sad or has "the blues" from time to time. But if
emptiness and despair have taken hold of your life and won't go away, you may
have depression. Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you
once did. Just getting through the day can be overwhelming. Sadness or
downswings in mood are normal reactions to life’s struggles, setbacks, and
disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds
of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. The normal ups and
downs of life mean that everyone feels sad or has "the blues" from
time to time. But if emptiness and despair have taken hold of your life and
won't go away, you may have depression. Depression makes it tough to function
and enjoy life like you once did. Just getting through the day can be
overwhelming. Sadness or downswings in mood are normal reactions to life’s
struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression”
to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just
sadness. Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having
a feeling of impending doom. Alvaro
who suffered from depression for over 40 years describe it as “having a terrible
pain without knowing where the pain is located, fear without knowing why and
worst of all, absolutely no desire to talk about it”. However, some depressed
people don't feel sad at all—they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic. Men
in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless. 49 year old Maria (Brazil) was afflicted with
depression that caused Insomnia pain, irritability and a seemingly unending
feeling of darkness [source: awake].
Whatever the symptoms, depression is
different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life,
interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The
feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and
unrelenting, with little, if any, relief. Everyone finds themselves in this
place from time to time, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with! If
you ask around or do a search online, you'll likely find lots of advice for how
to treat anxiety or beat depression. Some of it useful, and some of it is not.
Plus, what works for one person might not for another. Don't worry, I'm not
going to tell you one of those internet cliché that I know what you're going
through or that I have been there before( although I have- Sincerely and I can
tell you it was hell. That was the only point in my life when taking my own
life didn’t seem like a bad idea). Not many like to hear such words as
comforting as it sounds. During my time of battling depression I didn’t think
anyone else will understand what I was going through or that anyone could
actually help me, so when someone tells me I understand or I can help you, I
just got irritated “with their lie”. Truth is that these life-changing events
are incredibly difficult to handle and you are never strong enough or prepared
enough to handle them. I remember I used to weep on my bed at night, all I
could just mutter was am too young to be going through this- this isn’t fair am
just 20 why do I have these problems? It is hence paramount that you know the
signs and symptoms of depression so you can easily retract your steps if you
notice yourself spinning toward the abyss.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Depression
varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal
lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer
they have lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When
these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek
help.
- Feelings
of helplessness and hopelessness- A bleak
outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to
improve your situation.
- Loss
of interest in daily activities- No interest in
former hobbies, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to
feel joy and pleasure.
- Appetite
or weight changes- Significant weight loss or weight
gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
- Sleep
changes- Either insomnia, especially waking
in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as
hyper-insomnia).
- Anger
or irritability- Feeling agitated, restless, or
even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and
everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
- Loss
of energy-Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and
physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks
are exhausting or take longer to complete.
- Self-loathing-Strong
feeling of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for
perceived faults and mistakes.
- Reckless
behavior- You engage in escapist behavior
such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or
dangerous sports.
- Concentration
problems- Trouble focusing, making
decisions, or remembering things.
- Unexplained
aches and pains- An increase in physical
complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
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