Depression can be difficult to talk about. Many people go through periods where they feel sad, but when you're depressed you can feel down for several weeks or months.
Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms. They range from persistent feelings of unhappiness to physical symptoms such as tiredness.
It's important to recognise your mental health is as important as your physical health. Those with depression may not be aware of what they're going through and it can become serious if ignored.
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The good news is that with the right treatment and support, from the NHS to Samaritans, you can get help and make a recovery.
Here are five signs of depression to look out for:
Five signs of depression
1. Persistent depressed (low) mood
As reported by the Daily Record, it's natural to feel down from time to time and everyone feels low at times or upset by many different situations in life that might occur. However, when your low mood starts to affect things you might once have enjoyed or persists for a longer time than usual it can be a sign of depression.
Maybe you have begun to lose interest in things you once enjoyed and maybe you’ve started to be withdrawn and are missing workouts or catch-ups with friends because of your low mood.
2. Feelings of worthlessness
You may be experiencing a feeling of desperation and hopelessness. When your self-esteem is low you may feel useless, worthless and insignificant, and believe you have nothing valuable to offer the world.
When you feel like this you can feel worthless and start thinking and talking about yourself negatively.
3. Feeling anxious constantly
Many people with symptoms of depression have feelings of anxiety. Of course, it’s natural to have moments of excitement or bouts of nervous energy. However, are you feeling overly anxious about things?
Think about how long your anxiety lasts and how often you feel anxious as well as why you might be feeling anxious. Extra stress at work or in a relationship can cause anxiety but if it is ongoing and you have general anxiety without knowing the root, sometimes it is a sign of depression.
4. Constant fatigue
Are you feeling constantly tired? Feeling fatigued and too tired physically, mentally and emotionally can be a common sign of depression.
Your energy levels may feel low and sometimes you can feel overwhelmed by activity and the prospect of keeping focused. A type of brain fog can hit you and you can feel drained by normal activities. Your sleep might also be affected by a general unease caused by depression.
5. Always smiling, but not feeling it
Masking your feelings and pretending to have a great life can also be a sign of depression. Sometimes the bigger the smile, the bigger the depression it hides.
An overly positive attitude, or a perfect life on social media and always being the one to make light of things can sometimes be masking your real feelings as to what is going on. We often dismiss our sadness or change the subject when we are in denial about how we feel. People who say, “Yeah, I’ve been down lately … but I’m fine. Honestly. How are you?” sometimes need a helping hand.
How to get help for depression:
Talking with a friend or family member you think is depressed and spending time with them can make all the difference. Samaritans are available to speak to you whenever you need a friendly voice to help you through your most difficult times.
Call them for free on 116 223 any time, any day.
Mind also has various resources, with self-care exercises that may help. You can view them here.
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