Recognizing the signs of depression

Recognizing the signs of depression in yourself or in other people is essential for early detection. When you’re able to recognize if you or one of your loved ones is showing signs of depression, you can take appropriate action to seek help and support.

Depression is a mental health condition that is characterized by persistent feelings  of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It is not something that you need to keep to yourself.

Let’s take a look at the common signs of depression so you can recognize them more easily in yourself or those around you.

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness that last for most of the day, almost every day or several days within two weeks
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, such as hobbies or social events
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Fatigue or a lack of energy, even after sleeping well
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite or weight, resulting in unintentional weight loss or weight gain
• Experiencing chronic muscle aches and pains
• Persistent thoughts of death, dying, suicide, or suicide attempts

If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression, seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial. Depression can be treatable, and early intervention can lead to better outcomes with supportive resources like therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication, lifestyle changes and a strong support system of friends and family.