Being sad or feeling down are pretty common emotions that I’m sure everybody experiences from time to time; However, when you start to feel hopelessness, despair and even suicidal, you may be battling something more serious… DEPRESSION!
Depression is defined as a common but serious mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and handles daily activities. Some people describe it as “living in a black hole” or having feelings of impending doom, other people say they feel empty, lifeless, angry, restless, apathetic and even emotionless. No matter how it makes you feel… if you leave depression untreated, it can become a serious health condition.
A lot of times you can’t just look at somebody and determine if they are depressed or not. Depression affects everyone differently, but here are some common signs and symptoms, and by being able to recognize them, you could save your life or someone else’s.
COMMON DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and despair – You may have a bleak outlook on life. You may feel like nothing will ever get better and there is nothing you can do to change your situation.
- Appetite or changes in your weight – Drastic weight loss or weight gain (a change of 5% of body month in one month).
- Loss of interest in daily activities – You no longer care about the things you used to enjoy (hobbies, pastimes, social activities and even sex). You have lost your ability to feel pleasure and joy.
- Easily angered or feeling agitated – You may be irritable, restless or feel violent. Your temper is short and everything and everybody gets on your nerves.
- Sleep changes – You may be sleeping all the time, oversleeping, not being able to fall asleep or only sleeping for short periods of time.
- Self-loathing – You may be experiencing strong feelings of guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults or mistakes you have made in the past or mistakes you feel may have caused this dark period in your life.
- Loss of energy – Always feeling tired, fatigued, sluggish and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy (feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders) and even the smallest tasks are exhausting and take longer to complete. Your living conditions are probably messy and unorganized.
- Concentration problems – You may find it hard to focus, make decisions and remember things.
- Reckless behavior – You do things to try to “escape from your reality” or to numb the pain (excessive drinking of alcohol and use of drugs, compulsive gambling, reckless driving or participating in dangerous sports).
- Unexplained aches and pains – You may have an increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, stomach pain and aching muscles in general. Stress can cause pain and even the onset of sickness and disease.
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Hopelessness and deep despair can sometimes make suicide feel like the only way out or the only way to escape the pain. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, get help! Here are some the warning signs of people contemplating suicide.
- Talking about killing or harming oneself.
- An unusual preoccupation with death or dying.
- Calling or visiting people to say goodbye.
- Getting affairs in order (giving away things and tying up loose ends).
- A sudden switch from being extremely sad to acting calm and happy.
- Saying things like “I want out” or “everybody would be better without me).
- Expressing feelings of being trapped.
- Behaving recklessly as if they have a death wish.
- Razor cuts on their arms. wrists and legs.
If you think somebody is considering suicide, express your concerns, tell them you care about them and seek help immediately. If you are feeling suicidal, just know that your problems are only temporary. They seem overwhelming and permanent… but with time, thigs will get better. The only thing that is permanent is SUICIDE!!! You will be permanently gone and your loved ones will be permanently crushed by your actions.
Are you experiencing depression?
Many people feel low at some point, but for those with clinical depression, such feelings don’t pass; they lead to symptoms such as hopelessness, exhaustion, and thoughts of death. Depression can be treated but the first step is determining whether symptoms are present. >>>>This test could help.
CALL 988 in the United States or visit suicide.org to find a helpline and get help right now. There are people who want to help you during this difficult time.
“This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice.”
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