I often write about treatments of depression, anxiety, etc....but how do you even know it when you or your loved ones are depressed?
What follows are the somewhat ominously numbered thirteen top symptoms of depression, If you or a loved one is experiencing one or more of the below symptoms, then you may consider getting some help.
- Loss of Appetite: Going the whole day without eating for a few days in a row or more than one day in a week.
- Overeating: Eating unhealthy food whenever you are feeling anxious, upset, angry or after something bad happens.
- Sleep Problems: Sleeping too much or too little. If you are sleeping more than 12 hour or less than 2 hours per day. You can alternate between these symptoms.
- Lack of Energy: Running out of energy very early in the day. Feeling lethargic.
- Low Self Esteem: Feeling that you are not worthwhile; believing that you are inferior physically or intellectually.
- Loss of Motivation: Uncaring. Not motivated to take a shower or make a meal or care for your family.
- Poor Concentration. Focusing on the present is difficult as anxious thoughts are invading your mind.
- Feeling Hopeless: Writing off all possibilities and opportunities as doomed from the start.
- Lack of Sex Drive: Disinterested in all intimate contact, especially sex.
- Social Isolation: Pushing others away or feeling uncomfortable around people. It may feel that you need others but that you have no one you can turn to.
- Irrational/Emotional Outbursts: Finding yourself getting angry or upset often. If this is happening regularly, then some of it is irrational or misdirected.
- Disregarding Responsibility: Abandoning anything that causes stress, including people, your job, social responsibilities, etc...
- Substance Abuse: Repetitive or overuse of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, etc. Particularly as a way to cope.
In the past there was a stigma attached to depression and therapy. Now it's very common to seek help before it becomes more serious.
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