Depression is a severe mental health condition. If left untreated, it can result in death. It’s crucial to get help when you have depression. Before you can get help, it’s essential to know what the signs are so that you can address them. Here are the common symptoms of depression and how you can learn to help yourself.
Persistent Low Mood
Feeling depressed is more than feeling sad. When you are depressed, everything feels heavy. You don’t see a way to get out of this funk. You feel hopeless. You don’t look forward to the future because everything looks bleak. Sometimes people have low days. But depression isn’t a bad day or breaking up with a partner. When you are depressed, you do not want to get out of bed or see friends or family. You are stuck in a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. You can go on for days, weeks, or even months. That’s why it’s so crucial when you feel these feelings to seek help.
Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
When you are depressed, you may have trouble focusing. Everything that you need to do during the day seems like an obstacle. It’s challenging to get out of bed in the morning, shower, or go to work. It all feels like too much. Things that you usually would be able to do feel impossible. When you start seeing your quality of life deteriorating because you can’t manage day-to-day tasks, it could be depression.
Isolation from Friends and Family
When you start isolating yourself from your loved ones, you might be depressed. Depression makes you feel like there’s no point to anything. So you don’t see the need to socialize with others. You may spend a lot of time sleeping or watching TV mindlessly. You are not enjoying yourself; you are trying to numb the pain. If you notice that you are isolating yourself from your loved ones, you could be depressed, and it’s essential to reach out for help.
Neglecting Hygiene
One common symptom of depression is difficulty showering or taking care of one’s hygiene. When you’re depressed, you don’t see the point of taking care of your appearance. You may not shower for days. You don’t care if you smell bad or offend anybody. Because you don’t see the hope in life, if you are noticing that you have no desire to shower, that could be a severe sign of depression.
Exhaustion
Depression takes a lot out of the mind and body. If you find that you’re consistently exhausted, that could be a sign of depression. Your brain is trying to cope with a severe mental health condition, and that takes a lot of energy. It’s not just feeling tired because you exercised a lot. That’s a different sensation. When you’re depressed, it feels like there are weights on your body. Everything feels heavy, and it’s challenging to do the most minor tasks.
Getting Help for Depression
Pay attention to your symptoms, and if you have any of the above signs, it’s essential to seek help. Other symptoms of depression can include difficulty concentrating, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or feelings of numbness. If you suspect you may be depressed, a mental health professional can help. You can read more about mental health issues (including depression) here. The therapist is the perfect person to speak to you about depression. Don’t be afraid to reach out for the support of a mental health professional when you need one. Whether it’s online or in your local area, a counselor is there to hear your concerns and help you through these problems.
About the Author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
