Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of Depression
Wath for these Symptoms of Depression
At times, we all feel unhappy, lonely, or depressed. It’s a natural reaction to bereavement, difficulties in life, or low self-esteem. However, when these feelings become overwhelming, result in bodily symptoms, and linger for a long time, they might prevent you from leading a regular, active life.
That’s when you should seek medical attention.
A smart place to start is with your usual doctor. They can check for depression and assist you in managing your symptoms. If you don’t address your depression, it might develop worse and continue for months, if not years. It can be painful and lead to suicide in roughly one out of every ten persons who suffer from depression.
Symptoms of Depression
They may consist of:
- Concentration, memory, and decision-making difficulties
- Fatigue
- Guilt, worthlessness, and powerlessness are common feelings.
- Hopelessness and pessimism
- Insomnia, early-morning agitation, or excessive sleeping
- Irritability or grumpiness
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, such as sex
- Overeating or a loss of appetite
- Intractable aches, pains, headaches, or cramps
- Digestive issues that do not improve despite treatment
- Sad, nervous, or “empty” feelings that persist
- Suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
Diagnosis
Because there is no “depression test” that a doctor may perform to determine if you have it, diagnosing it frequently begins with a comprehensive history and physical examination.
Your doctor will want to know the following:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- How long have they lasted?
- What is their severity?
- If you have a family history of depression or other mental diseases,
- If you have a drug or alcohol misuse history,
You’ll also be asked if you’ve ever experienced similar depressive symptoms and, if so, how you dealt with them.
When to seek help and assistance
If your depression symptoms are interfering with your relationships, career, or family life and there is no clear remedy, you should seek professional help.
Talking to a mental health counsellor or doctor might help you avoid things getting worse, especially if your symptoms are persistent.
Get help immediately now if you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts or feelings.
It’s critical to realise that just because you’re depressed doesn’t mean you’re depressed. Not only does this disease affect mood, but it also affects sleep, energy, appetite, focus, and motivation.
Seek help if you experience physical symptoms like these and find yourself feeling down for days or weeks.
Treatment
If your doctor determines that your symptoms are not due to a physical reason, they may begin treatment or send you to a mental health specialist. This expert will determine the best line of action. Medicines (such as antidepressants) or psychotherapy (a type of therapy) may be used, or both.
Be aware that the procedure will take some time. You may need to experiment with several therapies. It can take up to a month for medications to take full effect.
Alternative Treatments
Your doctor may suggest additional therapies. ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a treatment option for patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication or who have severe depression and require immediate treatment.
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, involves inducing a magnetic field with a noninvasive device held above the head. It works by targeting a region of the brain that can cause depression.
A pacemaker-like device is surgically inserted beneath the collarbone to give regular impulses to the brain via vagus nerve stimulation, or VMS.
Are There Suicide Warning Signs in Depressed People?
Suicide is a common result of depression. Suicidal ideas or plans are dangerous. Some warning indicators are:
- A quick change in mood from grief to great tranquilly, or the appearance of happiness
- Always discussing or considering death
- Clinical depression (sadness, loss of interest, sleeping and eating difficulties) that worsens
- Taking potentially fatal risks, such as driving past red lights
- expressing feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
- Tidying up loose ends or amending a will are examples of putting things in order.
- Saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”.
- Suicide is being discussed.
- Visiting or contacting close relatives and friends
If you or someone you know shows any of the above warning signs, call your local suicide helpline (Samaritans – 116123), contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room.