Signs of Depression

Worried that you might be exhibiting signs of depression? Are you or a loved one struggling with depressive feelings that have started to negatively impact everyday life activities? Sometimes depression symptoms may not be overtly apparent and can often be overlooked as general sadness. It is a natural part of the human condition to feel down or despondent, especially in times of grief, such as the death of someone close. It usually passes over time and a general sense of well being slowly returns. However, prolonged bouts of clinical depression can last for weeks, months or even longer and if left untreated can have devastating effects on one’s life and the lives of their loved ones. Suicide is a definite risk among those battling severe depression and professional help should be sought after immediately should suicide be a concern. Knowing the symptoms of depression can be that vital first step to realizing that something may not be right and the catalyst for seeking help.

It is important to realize that the signs of depression can be treated and that there is always hope and help available. Effective depression treatment, whether with antidepressants, psychotherapy or other methods can obtain the goal of returning a person to their normal self. Nearly half of all people who experience depression symptoms do not seek help or get properly diagnosed. Reaching out for help is often the most difficult step, but it is also the most important step.

From children and teenagers, to adults, to the elderly, no one is immune from depression symptoms. There are many types of depression and it can manifest itself in many different ways. So what are the signs of depression?

Signs of Depression in Adults

Signs of Depression Depression hurts and it can have a debilitating effect on one’s everyday life. Activities one used to enjoy no longer seem worth doing. Simple things such as hygiene, proper eating or leaving the house may fall by the wayside. Motivation is lacking to do anything meaningful and is replaced by sadness and the desire to stay in bed and sleep away the day. These are just a few of the ways that this illness can transform someone’s life. In adults, other depression symptoms may include the following:

Feeling of intense sadness or feeling blue
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Loss of pleasure or interest in activities one used to enjoy including hobbies and sex
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or self loathing
Feelings of helplessness or pessimistic feelings and guilt
Loss or increase of appetite, usually accompanied by noticeable weight loss or weight gain
Feelings of anxiousness and restlessness
Irritability and increased anger, usually a short temper where everything seems to “get on one’s nerves”, general increase in overall frustration
Decreased energy level and overall fatigue
Increase in the number of aches and pains in the body, including back aches, headaches and stomach pains
Inability to think clearly, slowed thinking, memory loss
Easily distracted with an inability to concentrate clearly
Crying for no apparent reason
Isolation or withdrawal from family and friends
Thoughts of suicide or death
Risky behavior such as substance abuse, gambling addiction or other self-destructive activities

While men and women can experience any of the above depression symptoms, men are more prone to sleep loss, irritability, loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed and fatigue and lower energy level. Women are more prone to crying spells, apparent sadness and feelings of helplessness and or guilt when going through depression. Although these seem to be tendencies among the different genders, none of the above depression symptoms should be overlooked or ignored.

Signs of Depression in Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers may exhibit the same common depression symptoms as stated above but they may also experience other symptoms as well. Some estimates have 1 in 30 children and 1 in 8 teenagers may suffer from depression, so it is important to monitor them for any concerning changes in mood or behavior. Some additional signs of depression for children and adolescents may include:

Sudden drop in grades or school performance
Unusual anxiety, anger or withdrawal from friends or normal social activities
Changes in sleep patterns, loss of sleep (more common in teenagers than with small children)
Increase in physical complaints, stomach aches etc.
For teenagers: Increase in risk taking behavior such as dangerous driving, alcohol or drug abuse or promiscuous sexual encounters.
Extreme boredom

Often times it may be easier to spot signs of depression in younger individuals than in adults because they often are not worried about trying to hide their feelings and changes are usually less subtle, but this may not always be the case. In teenagers for example, a lot of their mood swings and changes in behavior are often attributed to going through puberty or labeled as “just a phase”, which very well might be the case. However, prolonged changes in their behavior and well being should not be ignored as they may be a sign of something more serious such as teen depression. Since most teenagers still rely on their parents or guardians for health related care and issues, it is important to monitor them for any signs of depression and concerning behavior in order to get them timely help if needed.

Depression Symptoms in the Elderly

Unfortunately, depression symptoms in the elderly often get overlooked for a variety of different reasons. Some people think its normal for older people to be depressed and it is just a byproduct of being old. Sometimes their physical symptoms get confused with medical conditions they may be suffering from. Whatever the reason, the elderly do not have to suffer from depression and an increased awareness of the signs of depression can lead to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Older patients may experience any of the general signs of depression as stated above but some of the more common depression symptoms in the elderly include:

Loss of memory
Inability to think clearly or concentrate
Physical symptoms and complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches

As you can see, these occurrences may be quite easy to mistake for an ailment or condition elderly people tend to suffer from and too often their depression may be mistaken for something else. It is equally important to watch out for the signs of depression in elderly patients so they can get the proper treatment they deserve.

Warning Signs Of Suicide

Suicide is a definite risk for those suffering from major depression. It often stems from a sense of having no options, no way out of the pain they find themselves suffering everyday. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one it is important to know the warning signs of suicide. Warning signs may include the following:

Talking about hurting one’s self or somebody else. Talking of death or wanting to “end it all”. Wanting to die.
Looking into different ways to die, desperately trying to buy a gun
Talking about unbearable pain or feeling of hopelessness with “no reason to live”
Putting their affairs in order, making a will and tying up loose ends
Going from really sad to feeling really calm all of a sudden
Seemingly having a “death wish”. Taking unusually dangerous physical risks.
Total withdrawal for their life and life activities and isolating themselves
Increased drug or alcohol abuse

These are just some of the things to be on the look out for. Also it should be stated, that some people who commit suicide may never overtly show any of the usual warning signs. If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis and is suicidal it is imperative to seek help right away. To talk to someone (in the US) you can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You are not alone!

When Should I Seek Treatment For My Depression Symptoms?

Symptoms of Depression The signs of depression can sneak up on you, it’s usually not as simple as one day your happy and the next day you are clinically depressed. It can be a gradual decent to a place that may seem impossible to recover from, however there is always hope. Awareness of depression symptoms and whether one is experiencing signs of depression often gets neglected by those battling the disorder.

If clinical depression has gotten bad enough to affect your every day life and activities, your relationships, your job or your physical well being then it may be time to reach out to a mental health provider in your area. If you no longer have interest in things that used to excite you, if you never feel like leaving the house or getting out of bed, if you don’t want to be around people and would rather be alone and stay to yourself then it may be time to get help.

Many patients never seek help because they think depression is a sign of weakness and it becomes a source of shame. This may make matters even worse and cause further withdrawal and isolation. They cannot figure out why continue to endure their depression symptoms and why they just can’t “snap out of it” and feel it is something they can or something they should deal with on their own. It is important for people suffering with depression and depression symptoms to know they are not alone and that there are professionals out there trained to help them with their situation. Causes of depression may vary and ways of dealing with depression may vary but there is one constant, there is no shame in asking for help.

Knowing the signs of depression can be vital to reclaiming your life and getting back to your normal self. If you or a loved one have a combination of the depression symptoms listed above that has lasted for at least two weeks then seeking treatment options is encouraged. If you are dealing with the symptoms of depression the first step is often the toughest, but it is also the most important.

Below is a video further detailing the signs of depression and how to identify common depression symptoms.