The world has lost way too many people to mental illnesses, including celebrities like Robin Williams, Marilyn Monroe, and recently, Naomi Judd.
We lead such busy lives that we often forget to take care of ourselves. After a bad day at work or a tough breakup, we often experience sadness or frustration, which can sometimes be confused with depression. But there is a difference between the two.
"Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home," states the American Psychiatric Organization.
Whereas, "sadness is a normal human emotion that every single person will experience at stressful or somber times," per Medical News Today. "Sadness is just one element of depression."
May is known as Mental Health Awareness Month and also considering that we've lost many people to mental illnesses, including celebrities like Robin Williams, Marilyn Monroe, and recently Naomi Judd, it is important to know what is depression.
Moreover, depression can be diagnosed by a professional who can give the correct advice and course of treatment to get better. Anyone experiencing depression can always seek help because depression is treatable.
The emotions of unhappiness and sadness may have some commonality with depression but there are specific symptoms of depression, according to Healthline. Here are some symptoms of depression that can help you lookout for a loved one who may be struggling with a mental health crisis.
1. Feeling a sense of hopelessness
When someone is depressed, they feel like there is no longer any hope in anything. They fail to see the light at the end of the tunnel because their mind tends to focus only on the darkness. Some may even feel worthless. Common, recurring thoughts of depression may be vocalized as, “It’s all my fault,” or “What’s the point?”
2. Having no interest in anything anymore
Depression is known to rob you of joy. It takes the pleasure out of things you once loved. You may have once loved shopping but suddenly you are put off by even the thought of it. It's a warning sign that something is just not right.
3. Constantly feeling tired, but unable to sleep
Since your mind is constantly overworked, you feel tired almost all the time. Even if you experience a sudden burst of energy, you go back to being your dull self. However, at night, despite being completely exhausted, you toss and turn in bed, trying your best to find the will to sleep.
4. Worrying about the unknown
Your brain is in overdrive mode and you tend to think and worry about situations that may or may not happen. You might even ponder over something someone said, which causes a downward spiral and then you begin to wonder if they hate you and if something is wrong with you.
5. Not feeling hungry or feeling too hungry
People with depression cope with it in different ways. Some seek comfort in food to help cope with the overwhelming feelings they experience, while some others tend to avoid eating at all simply because they feel that food is the last thing they need.
6. Getting irritated at the smallest of things
You may have once been the epitome of patience but now you snap at the slightest inconvenience. You lose your mind over how horrible the world is which puts you in an irritable mood.
7. Unable to control your emotions
One moment you may be huffing and puffing with anger, and the next moment, you are crying your eyes out. The fact that your emotions are all over the place is also a big sign that you need help.
8. Death seems like an option
At some point, when things in life get way too overwhelming, you want to put an end to them. Death feels like the only option than can help silence the chaos in the head, once and for all.
If at all you or someone around you show any of these signs, it is important to seek help immediately before things get bad.
If you, or anyone you know, are having suicidal thoughts, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/recognizing-symptoms
https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/treatment-resistant-depression#outlook
CImage source: Pixabay
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
