5 WARNING SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION YOU SHOULD KNOW

symptoms of depression are warning signs that are observable in people with depression. They are often an indication that an individual needs professional help.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines depression as a mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.

• A startling statistic by the WHO in 2020 shows that over 264 million people suffer from depression globally.

• There are effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for depression. Identifying the warning symptoms of depression is the first step to finding help.

Just about anyone can be affected by depression!

The effects of depression can be directly through some warning symptoms of depression that can get worse over time if professional help is not sought or indirectly when a family or close friend is affected.

People can get depression from social factors such as violence, unemployment, job loss, broken relationships, or any situation that makes them socially disadvantaged. It is more than just a feeling of sadness; it is stronger because it affects the everyday life of the individual affected.

Also, traumatic psychological situations can leave people vulnerable to depression. Being a mental disorder, it places the individual at risk, and the effect can be fatal, leading to isolation and even suicide.

There are verifiable claims in emerging research that some genetic factors can be behind depression. They increase the risk of depression where such genes are dominant.

Five warning symptoms of depression that you should know

1. Feeling of hopelessness and self-hate

These signs are easily observable as the individual affected becomes socially withdrawn and negative about life in general. The negativity is often rooted in self-hate.

Like most strong emotions it is expressed and people around can notice it. This feeling makes the individual disinterested in things that they derive joy doing. Seeking professional help when symptoms of depression like this set in are vital because it can get worse.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety itself is a mental disorder when it affects the daily life activities of an individual. However, anxiety is a symptom of depression too.

When people suffer the loss of loved ones, face separation, and broken relationships, they tend to feel bad but it is not normal if such feeling persists.

Behind them is depression which has other dangerous mental and physical implications on the affected person.

3. Insomnia and fatigue

Someone that has depression will suffer from fatigue and Insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that results in the inability of an individual to fall or stay asleep for a reasonable period.

Those who suffer from Insomnia also have fatigue and other symptoms that often point to depression. However, disorders aside from depression can also cause Insomnia.

4. Suicidal tendencies

Perhaps, this is the more serious aspect of depression because it places not only the life of the depressed person at risk but also the lives of those around them.

When this symptom is observed, urgent professional help should be sought.

5. Inability to control emotions (mood swings)

A depressed person does not have full control of the emotions of his mind. Anger can easily be expressed in violent forms due to the feeling of hopelessness that has dominated the individual’s mind.

Also, anger displayed by a depressed person is not a show of strength. Rather, it is one of the warning symptoms of depression that should not be ignored.

The first step to getting help

The are many symptoms that are signs of depression. So, it is important to seek professional help near you to prevent the worsening of the situation when any of them is observed. Your action will save many lives.