It is normal to experience feelings of sadness or loneliness at certain times in your life. For example, when you have lost a loved one or have relocated for a job, these and other negative feelings may arise. However, when these feelings become overwhelming, it may be time to consider if they are signs of depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a recognized mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, loneliness, and lack of interest in everyday activities. The most recent research suggests depression alters the very activity of the brain. Depression can be fatal if left untreated.
Common Signs of Depression
Only about half of those who have depression are ever diagnosed or treated professionally. It is therefore crucial you recognize the signs of depression so that you might seek medical help. Some of the more common signs include:
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or Excessive Sleeping
- Problems Concentrating and Focusing
- Inability to Experience Joy and Happiness
- Feeling Worthless
While the above signs of depression can be difficult to manage, other, more severe signs can feel impossible to manage. These signs include:
- Crying for No Reason
- Changes in Appetite (Not Eating or Overeating)
- Excessive Weight Loss/Weight Gain
- Suicidal Thoughts
Signs of Depression in Men
Men can exhibit many of the signs of depression previously mentioned. However, other signs are particular to men. These include:
- Anger
- Aggressiveness
- Violence
- Feeling “On Edge”
- Sexual Performance Problems
- Engaging in High-Risk Behaviors
- Self-Isolation
- Self-Medicating
Signs of Depression in Women
The signs of depression in women can include additional symptoms besides those previously mentioned. These include:
- Talking and Moving Slowly
- Aches and Pains
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Self-Blaming Thoughts
- Feelings of Guilt
- Loss of Interest in Sex
How to Tell if You Are Depressed
It can be hard to tell if you are depressed, especially if you are exhibiting just a few symptoms. That said, the presence of any symptom may signal that you are moving toward a depressive state.
Talk to your primary care physician about your depressive symptoms. Your primary care physician can test you for depression. Even if you are diagnosed with only mild depression, your primary care physician can recommend treatment to keep it from worsening.