It may be hard to spot that you or someone you know has depression.
Many times depression disguises itself as the emotions one may experience when they have had a bad day, going through a breakup or things just not falling into place in their personal life. However, depression is a lot more than the occasional deafening emotions one experiences.
The Psychiatric association defines depression as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. This medical illness can make one lose interest in the things you have once loved and enjoyed, this medical illness can also have a negative effect on one’s ability to fully function at work or at home.
The good news is that depression is treatable and one can take the necessary steps to prevent it from getting worse.
If you are constantly in a bad and dark space, here are some depression symptoms Healthline suggests one looks out for:
Having a hopeless outlook
Depression affects how we feel, if you constantly have to ask yourself “what’s the point” when completing any task or even going to see a loved one or hanging out with friends then it could be a sign of depression. Having a hopeless outlook on life comes with feeling worthless or self hate.
Loss of interest
If you do not enjoy or see the point of painting or playing the piano like you used to then you should start looking deep into that. A sign of depression is experiencing loss of interest in things you love or look forward to.
Increase in fatigue and sleep problems
Depression is linked to constant fatigue and feeling tired or experiencing loss of energy. This could lead to an excessive amount of time sleeping or in bed.
Changes in appetite and weight
Your weight is likely to fluctuate when you are depressed. It’s either you will lose or gain weight depending on your appetite.
Uncontrollable emotions
One minute you’re happy, the next you’re anxious and the next you’re sad. Depression causes one to have unstable, uncontrollable emotions and mood swings.
Looking at death
Depression is sometimes linked to suicide. According to the South African government, on average, almost 3 000 people commit suicide daily.
