5 Telltale Signs of Depression & What You Can Do To Help Yourself
Feeling down from time to time is a totally normal part of life. In fact, it’s not uncommon to feel depressed after experiencing a major life event, like getting laid off, going through a breakup, or dealing with the death of a loved one. However, when the sadness lingers for weeks or even months on end, it could be a sign of something more serious—depression.
While depression looks different for everyone, there are some common signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for. If you’re wondering whether you might be depressed, here are five telltale signs that you may want to explore further:
1.You’re Not Sleeping Or Eating Like You Used To
When you’re dealing with depression, it can be tough to find the motivation to do anything—including taking care of yourself. So, it’s not uncommon for people with depression to change their sleeping and eating habits. For example, you may find that you can’t fall asleep as easily as you used to or that you’re sleeping more than usual. Alternatively, your appetite may decrease or increase substantially. If you notice any changes in your sleeping or eating habits that are impacting your overall health and well-being, it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether depression might be playing a role.
2.You Don’t Feel Like Yourself Anymore
Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions day after day without any real joy or enthusiasm? Or maybe your hobbies and interests have lost their appeal. If this sounds familiar, it could be another sign that you’re dealing with depression. When people are depressed, they often lose interest in activities that used to make them happy. So if you find yourself disengaging from things you once enjoyed, it might be indicative of something more serious going on internally.
3.You Can’t Concentrate On Anything Or Make Any Decisions
If you find yourself having trouble focusing or making decisions lately, depression could be to blame. When people are struggling with this mental health disorder, they often report experiencing brain fog—a condition characterized by difficulty thinking clearly and concentrating on tasks. So if you find yourself forgetting things more often than usual or have trouble completing simple tasks at work or home, give yourself a break and consider whether depression might be behind it all before getting too hard on yourself.
4.You’re More Anxious Or Irritable Than Usual
Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand—so if you suddenly find yourself feeling more anxious than usual for no apparent reason like during social interactions. Or you are finding that you have a shorter fuse than usual, there’s a chance that undiagnosed depression may be playing a role in your symptoms.
5.You Always Feel Tired Even After A Good Night’s Sleep
Feeling exhausted all the time is another common sign of depression—and one that can quickly lead to burnout if left unchecked. If you’ve been getting around 7 or 8 hours a night consistently and still feel exhausted all the time checking in with your doctor may be in order. If everything physical comes back normal, seeking out mental health support is the next step.
Though each person experiences depression differently, there are some telltale signs to look out for if you suspect that something more serious might be going on internally. If any of these five signs sound familiar to you, last longer than 3 months and are impacting your overall health and well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for help. The sooner you get treated, the better!