Some people think that you should be able to just “snap out of it” when you become depressed. While this strategy may work if you are “in a funk” or having a bad day, it doesn’t work for depression. Depression can be debilitating and if left untreated can be life-threatening. It is, therefore, helpful to identify the symptoms of depression. The following is a list of typical symptoms that people experience if they are depressed.
Depressed Mood
This is more than just having a down mood. The feeling of depression tends to be consistent and relentless on most days.
Diminished Interest in and/or Participation in Activities
The greater the depression, the more someone tends to withdraw from people, places, and things.
Significant Change in Weight
A common symptom of depression is a significant change in weight. Some people gain weight, while others lose weight. Weight loss occurs because a person may feel too down to eat or may have simply lost his/her appetite. Weight gain tends to occur because a person who is depressed may use food as a way of self-medicating.
Sleep Problems
A typical symptom of depression is sleep disturbance. For example, a person who is depressed may have trouble falling asleep or may wake up throughout the night. Alternatively, some people may have periods where they sleep for long periods of time but still wake up feeling tired and lethargic.
Loss of Energy
A common symptom of depression is feeling tired all of the time. People with depression frequently report not having any energy even after getting adequate rest.
Frequent Crying
When someone is depressed, they may cry for no apparent reason. A person who is depressed frequently feels sad but is not always able to articulate why.
Increased Physical Pain
A typical symptom of depression is an increase in physical pain. Depression tends to make the whole body hurt.
Difficulty Making Decisions and Concentrating
When someone is depressed they have trouble concentrating and making decisions.
Physical Retardation
When someone is depressed, they often feel weighed down or burdened. Every motion feels like it takes effort. Even lifting their head off the pillow in the morning may feel exhausting.
Irritability and Agitation
Common symptoms of depression are agitation and irritability. When someone is depressed they may get angry very easily and lash out at those around them.
Low Self-Esteem
A typical symptom of depression is feelings of worthlessness. When someone has depression, they feel as though they have no value and may feel like they are a burden on those around them.
Hopelessness and Helplessness
A common symptom of depression is feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. When someone is depressed, they often feel like no one can help them and that they have no hope of getting better.
Suicidal Thoughts
A typical symptom of depression is having thoughts of death and dying. The greater the depression, the more intense the thoughts of dying tend to be. Some people with depression may begin to ruminate about dying or start planning how to kill themselves. Once the depression lifts, these thoughts tend to recede.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.