Depression is a mental health disorder that affects how you feel, think and behave. It can lead to a wide range of emotional and physical problems. You may be depressed if you have felt sad or hopeless for most of the day, every day for at least two weeks.
According to Intermountain Healthcare, Depression is an illness, not a sign of weakness or something you can just snap out of (Intermountain Healthcare, 2022). It is a real and serious medical condition that requires treatment. Depression can cause physical problems such as headaches, stomach aches, and diarrhea. It can also lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and substance abuse.
There are many different types of depression, each with its own symptoms. Some common symptoms of depression include:
Angry Outbursts
If you are depressed, you may get angry more quickly than usual. You may suddenly feel irritated or frustrated, even over small things that would not normally bother you. This can be a sign that your depression is getting worse.
Angry outbursts can be harmful to both your mental and physical health. They can damage relationships with the people closest to you and lead to further anger and frustration. It is essential to get help if you are dealing with depression and experiencing angry outbursts.
Sleeping Disorders
People with depression often have difficulty sleeping. They may sleep too much or have trouble falling and staying asleep. This can be dangerous, as lack of sleep can make depression worse.
There are a few different reasons why people with depression may have trouble sleeping. The most common is that depressed people often have difficulty turning off their brains at night. They may lie in bed for hours, going over the problems of the day or worrying about things that will happen in the future.
Increased Fatigue
People with depression often have a lot of fatigue. This means they feel exhausted and drained, even if they have not been doing anything physical. It can be hard to motivate yourself to do anything when feeling this way.
Often, the fatigue caused by depression can be quite debilitating. It can keep people from doing the things they enjoy and living their lives to the fullest. If you are experiencing increased fatigue along with other symptoms of depression, it is vital to seek help.
Feelings Of Worthlessness Or Guilt
When you are depressed, you may start to believe that you are worthless or that it is your fault that you are feeling this way. These negative thoughts can be brutal to shake off.
They can also lead to further feelings of depression and despair. If you feel guilty or worthless, it is important to talk to someone about how you feel.
Isolation
People with depression often isolate themselves from other people. They may not want to see their friends or family members and may not want to go out in public. This can make it hard for people to get the support they need.
Isolation can also make depression worse. When you are isolated, you may start to believe that no one cares about you or that no one wants to be around you. This can lead to further feelings of worthlessness and despair. If you feel isolated, it is essential to reach out to someone for help.
Recurrent Thoughts Of Death Or Suicide
Depression can lead to dark thoughts about death or suicide. If you have these thoughts, it is crucial to get help right away. Depression is a treatable condition but can be deadly if not treated.
Final Thoughts
Depression is a serious medical condition that requires treatment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is crucial to seek help from a mental health professional. Depression is treatable, and many resources are available to help you get the treatment you need.
References
Intermountain Healthcare. (2022). Depression is an illness, not a weakness. Retrieved from Intermountain Healthcare: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2017/02/depression-is-an-illness-not-a-weakness/