It’s normal to have negative moods occasionally. We may get ill as a result of daily stressors and distressing or anxious-provoking elements in our personal lives. But how can you tell when a persistently bad mood has turned into something more serious?
In the United States, depression affects 16.2 million persons annually and is a prevalent mental condition. Women are more likely than males to have depression, and those between the ages of 18 and 25 are particularly at risk. It can lead to a variety of problems, including poor self-worth, a depressed mood, and a loss of interest or pleasure in routine tasks. Depression may affect a person’s relationships, social life, and career. Here are some typical symptoms to watch out for if you think you might be depressed:
1. A persistent sense of hopelessness or guilt- Top Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Although melancholy is frequently associated with depression, the illness is actually far more complicated. People with the condition frequently report feeling a wide range of unfavorable feelings in addition to having poor moods. An often-reported symptom of depression is the belief that one has no power over the events in their life. Guilty sentiments, such as the belief that one is a burden or that one is to blame for one’s mental condition, may also be experienced. You might need to get treatment if you’re exhibiting many of these psychiatric symptoms.
2. Neglecting your hobbies, interests, and friends
Anhedonia, a crucial indicator of depression, is the loss of interest in facets of your life that were formerly significant to you, such as your personal hobbies, social circle, or even your job. Evidence points to a close connection between this and our brain’s reward circuits and our perception of pleasure. Depression has the power to rewire these circuits, making it nearly hard to find pleasure in things you would have considered rewarding in the past. It’s a good idea to talk with a doctor about your symptoms if you’re suffering anhedonia because it can be a symptom of a variety of mental health disorders.
3. Changes in appetite
Although the effects of sadness on eating habits might vary, this is a well-known fact. Research indicates that patients report both increases and decreases in hunger, and that these might be related to various symptoms of the condition. Particularly those who are suffering from anhedonia could discover that they lose interest in eating and stop appreciating food the way they previously did. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that weight fluctuations are another sign of sadness. You should be conscious of any physical changes in your body and tell your doctor if you have any major weight loss or increase to avoid this negatively affecting both your physical and mental health.
4. Low sex drive
Our libidos change over the course of our lives, and there are many possible explanations as to why you may not be feeling the love. Our sex drive may be impacted by stress, hormones, and even the methods of contraception we choose, but losing interest in sex can also be an indication of more serious conditions. Decreased desire, trouble orgasming, and a loss of enjoyment during sex are all symptoms of depression. Additionally, because mental health issues frequently have a detrimental influence on interpersonal interactions, intimacy between you and your spouse might not be an option for a variety of related reasons.
5. Physical symptoms including aches, pains, and bowel movements
Despite being predominantly a psychological condition, depression may also present in unexpected ways on the body. Despite the fact that they are frequently ignored in favor of the emotional and mental effects of depression, these symptoms vary greatly across people and should nonetheless be watched for. Muscle pains (especially in the neck and back), headaches, and exhaustion are typical symptoms. Along with depression, stomach problems such as cramps, bloating, nausea, and constipation are frequently reported.
6. Having thoughts of harming yourself
Self-harming tendencies are frequently viewed as a coping mechanism or means of expressing mental discomfort. Although it affects people of all ages who are suffering from depression, it is more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. In certain symptoms of the disease, the impulse to self-harm may even extend to thoughts of suicide. It is crucial to get treatment as soon as you can if you are having suicidal thoughts or a desire to hurt yourself. There are several mental health helplines and services available that may provide guidance, and if your doctor believes you are in danger, they might be able to send a mental health crisis team.
