Depression is a lot more than feeling sad or irritated for a few days.
One goes through patches where they feel low, but when you’re depressed you continuously feel sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. You feel empty and angry.
Some people still think that depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition which is not true. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it’s not a sign of weakness or something you can cure by telling the patient to, ”smile”, “snap out of” or “cheer up”. It is seen as a taboo in India. People think of depression as a bad thing and do not openly talk about it which scares the one suffering from depression to speak out about it.
The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery. But, how does one know that they are suffering from depression?
Below are the earliest signs of depression that one suffers. It is the best time to cure it to live a happy life.
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
One feels like nobody can help them. They feel sorry for themselves and feel like nothing can be done to improve their life or any bad situation in their life.
Loss of interest in daily activities
One loses the ability to enjoy the activities that they once loved to do. They do not have fun participating in their favorite activities and hobbies and always feel very blank.
Appetite or weight changes
There will be a sudden gain or loss in weight mostly by 5%. One will either eat too much or not feel hungry at all.
Sleep changes
One will sleep a lot more than normal or not sleep at all. People with depression often suffer from insomnia.
Anger or irritability
One will feel irritated and annoyed at all times. The smallest of things could give you a reason to blast out at somebody. There is a constant feeling of irritation and anger.
Loss of energy
One will always feel tired. There will be no energy to do simple tasks and even getting out of bed and taking a shower will feel like a big task.
Self-loathing
One will continuously blame themselves. A person with depression will have strong feelings of hatred towards themselves and will harshly criticize the smallest of mistakes that they make.
Reckless behaviour
Many who suffer from depression end up falling into the wrong habit. They take up smoking and drink alcohol on almost a daily basis.
Concentration problems
One cannot remember things and tend to forget important things. An individual will not be able to concentrate for long and often just “zone out.”
Unexplained aches and pains
There will be sudden pains in the head, body and muscles for no reason at all.
You can take a look at taking medications or even turmeric – which is known to act as an anti-depressant.