Depression does not discriminate. Globally, more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a common disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt, low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration. Depression can be long-lasting or periodic, impairing an individual’s ability to function at work, school, or cope with daily life. It is like a fog that takes over the mind and turns all thoughts against a person. Although you cannot heal or save someone, you can show you care and be the inspiration for them to heal themselves.
SIGNS OF DEPRESSION
How do you know if someone is silently suffering from depression?
Depression is not always obvious. In fact, on the surface, a friend or loved one might even appear happy. Because depression is a painful condition, both for the person suffering from it and his or her loved ones, it’s important to be aware of possible signs of depression. The earlier it is detected, the earlier the person suffering depression can begin the journey toward healing.
7 SIGNS OF DEPRESSION
- Loss of interest in things that were previously pleasurable
- Sleep difficulties: trouble falling asleep or waking up during the night or the early hours of the morning.
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Anger and irritability
- Expressing negative thoughts
- Suicidal ideas
- Loss of confidence in oneself and optimism about the future
Signs you suffer from depression
It’s not uncommon to feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. These feelings are a normal reaction to loss or life’s struggles. But when these feelings become overwhelming, cause physical symptoms, and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms below, you could be suffering from depression.
- Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Pessimism and hopelessness
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away
- Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts