Although we all feel blue at times, depression is a serious long-term illness that interferes with a person's everyday functioning and/or causes distress. The early warning signs of depression are milder forms of major depression symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms in a manner that is stopping you from engaging with family, work, or school as usual, or if you are thinking of hurting yourself, seek professional help. Depression can get worse if left untreated.
Mood Changes
Feeling sad, anxious, and upset are all common symptoms of depression. In the early stages of depression, these emotions might not interfere with everyday living, but may intensify with time.
Lack of Interest in Activities
If you find yourself cutting out activities you once enjoyed--like taking walks, meeting friends for coffee or attending church--you might be experiencing an early warning sign of depression. Depressed people tend to isolate themselves from society and find little to no pleasure in any activities, including sex and food.
Fatigue
Feeling run-down and exhausted can be an early warning sign of depression, if coupled with other symptoms. Depressed individuals often find it difficult to muster the energy to complete tasks, even small ones that they used to do with ease.
Eating More or Less
Depression can affect appetite in either of two ways: by making a person eat more or eat less. In full-blown depression, either activity will also affect weight. In the early stages of depression, weight may not change, but eating habits may be affected.
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
When a person is depressed, his ability to think tends to be affected. He may find it difficult to concentrate, especially in busy situations, and may be unable to make even minor decisions. Therefore, early warning signs of depression include any difficulties with thought patterns.
Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
People with depression often experience insomnia, sometimes sleeping only an hour or two a night, or else go to the other extreme, finding it nearly impossible to get out of bed. In the early stages of depression, these symptoms appear more mildly, with either slightly increased or decreased sleep needs as compared to your typical sleep pattern.
Irritability
Being short-tempered and feeling bothered by small issues can be early warning signs of depression. While irritability can arise from many other causes, including stress, overexertion and hormonal changes, it is typically found in cases of depression.
Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness
In the early stages of depression, thoughts of being unworthy in others' eyes may begin to creep in. In addition, depressed individuals often feel guilty for behaviors that they could not have foreseen would cause problems. That is, just as in full-blown depression, a lowered sense of self worth may signal mood issues that warrant professional intervention.
