Clinical depression can be a potentially crippling mental health issue that hurts the quality of one's life. Though it can manifest itself in different ways, those afflicted with depression generally exhibit a handful of common symptoms. By understanding the indicators or warning signs of this behavioral disorder, you may be able to get help you or a loved one needs.
Increased Feelings of Sadness
Extreme periods of sadness are one of the key indications of clinical depression. Afflicted individuals may exhibit periodic bouts of crying and report feelings of intense hopelessness. Perceptions of isolation and diminished self-worth often accompany these episodes as well.
Suicidal Thoughts
Pre-occupation with death and recurring thoughts of suicide are critical indicators. These are especially serious signals that should not be ignored.
Substance Abuse
Clinically depressed people may resort to self-medication in the form of drug or alcohol abuse. Conversely, these destructive habits can also contribute to depression by affecting serotonin levels in the brain.
Loss of Interest in Everyday Activities
Previously enjoyable activities or pastimes may no longer provide severely depressed people with the pleasure they once did. This may manifest itself in the form of diminished interest in social interactions and even sex.
Difficulty Concentrating
Seriously depressed people may notice they have increased problems with maintaining concentration. They can experience difficulties in focusing on conversations at home or work, and may even have periodic issues with reading comprehension.
Increased Irritability
Behavioral changes, such as being abnormally short-tempered or more easily annoyed than usual, are often readily apparent.
Extreme Fatigue
Unexplained feelings of fatigue or weakness are common among the clinically depressed. Repeatedly low levels of energy or pronounced episodes of lethargy can point to an underlying mental health issue.
Problems Sleeping/Changes in Sleeping Habits
Sufferers of clinical depression often experience interruptions of their normal sleep patterns. This can include difficulty in falling and staying asleep, or could mean periods of excessive sleeping.
Physical Aches and Pains
Actual physical discomfort can often accompany the psychological symptoms that arise from depression. Pain of this sort may take the form of headaches, back pain or aching joints.
Extreme Weight Loss or Weight Gain
Significant unexplained changes in one's body weight are often a sign of severe depression in certain people. Weight loss can result from a considerably diminished appetite; on the other hand, overeating may also be used as a means for coping by those battling feelings of intense sadness.
