Andre
Feeling low from time to time is part of life. However, it is when emotions such as despair and hopelessness take over, and you cannot shrug them off, you might be suffering from depression.
Depression is often mistaken for sadness in response to setbacks, struggles, and hardships of life, when, in reality, it goes deeper than that.
Depression can change the way you feel, think, or function in your daily life. It can affect your ability to eat, sleep, study, work, love, and enjoy life. Just getting through a day can become an overwhelming activity.
People suffering from depression often describe it as a feeling of impending doom or living in a cocoon of despair or a black hole. In contrast, others feel empty, lifeless, and apathetic. Restlessness and anger are the two main emotions reported in men diagnosed with depression.
No matter what impacts depression has on you, leaving it untreated can become a severe psychological and physical health condition. That said – it is imperative to remember that all these feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are temporary and not the reality of life.
So, no matter how much doom and gloom it seems, you can, and you will get better.
You can work towards getting out of this ditch of depression by understanding it and recognizing different types and symptoms. This will be your first step towards feeling better and overcoming this mental illness – with the help of a mental health expert, of course.
6 Types of Depression
Usually, people define depression as a single term; however, there are six types of depression that people may experience.
- Atypical Depression
Many mental health sufferers with depression do not display typical symptoms. Although, at one point, this was a separate form of depression, the American Psychiatric Association now defines atypical depression as a part of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) with additional symptoms.
2. Bipolar Depression
This is also known as “manic depression.” The sufferer of bipolar depression experiences extreme and rapid mood swings, causing a manic state of mind from extreme highs to depressing lows.
3. Dysthymia
Dysthymia is more commonly known as “chronic depression.” It is a depression in a milder form that affects millions around the world.
4. Postpartum Depression
This one is increasingly common and associated with new moms as they experience a complex mix of emotional, behavioral, and physical changes after childbirth.
5. Psychotic Depression
This is a severe form of depression involving psychosis, hallucinations, and other symptoms and requires hospitalization.
6. Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Do you feel depressed during a certain season or time of the year? SAD or Seasonal depression is related to seasonal changes and follows the same cycle every year.
9 Signs of Depression
Symptoms of depressions may vary from person to person; however, some of them are common in most depression sufferers.
That said – you must remember that some of the symptoms associated with depression may be normal due to the occasional situation. However, if the symptoms are frequent and last longer with a strong bout of emotions – they are more likely indicating depression.
Here are nine common signs of depression.
- Changes in Sleeping Pattern
Sudden disturbance in the sleeping cycle or developing sleeping disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, oversleeping, or waking up in the middle of the night are some of the common signs of depression.
2. Fatigue
You may feel sluggish, lethargic or physically, and mentally drained. You may experience unusual heaviness in your body, and even small tasks may exhaust you out of breath.
3. Feeling Hopelessness and Helplessness
If you develop a bleak outlook for every situation, believing that nothing will get better and life is not going to improve, you are certainly experiencing depression.
4. Irritability and Anger
If you are suffering from depression, you may feel constantly restless, agitation, anger, or experience violent thoughts. You may develop a low tolerance level, short temper, and almost everyone and everything gets on your nerves.
5. Losing Interest in Daily Routine
Have you lost interest in your former hobbies you once felt passionate about? Have you given up on social gatherings, pastimes, or sex? Maybe you have lost the zest to feel pleasure or joy.
6. Recklessness
Some depression patients display escapist behavior and compulsive habits such as gambling, addictions, substance abuse, and reckless driving, etc.
7. Self-loathing
Depression has a strong tendency to make you feel guilty and worthless for no real reason. You harshly criticize your existence for perceived mistakes and faults.
8. Struggling with Concentration
You may find it hard to focus on the most basic tasks of daily life. Depression may also hinder your decision-making abilities, or you may develop memory problems.
9. Weight and Appetite Changes
A significant change in your appetite is a major sign of depression—similarly, extreme weight loss or gain, i.e., over 5 percent of your body weight per month.
Depression and Suicidal Risk
Suicide or suicidal thoughts are a major risk associated with any form of depression. The deeper the feeling of hopelessness and despair, the more it can make you feel suicidal.
If you or your loved one is suffering from depression, do not take any mentions of suicide or suicidal behavior for granted. It will help if you always look out for the warning signals. Here are some of them:
- Talking or thinking about harming or killing yourself.
- Expressing feelings of being stuck in life and wanting to get free.
- A frequent and unusual obsession with dying or death.
- Reckless behavior or being a daredevil as if having a death wish.
- Visiting or calling people to say bye.
- Typing up loose ends, giving away prized possessions, and getting affairs in orders such as writing a will, etc.
- Blurting out statements such as “I want out” or “everyone will be better off without me being around” or “Nobody is going to miss me.”
- A sudden change in emotions from feeling extremely depressed to acting unusually happy and calm.
Other Complications
Other complications related to depression may include the following:
- Medication withdrawal symptoms
- Heart diseases
- Loss of libido
- Social Withdrawal
- Relationship issues, etc.
Do Not Ignore It
Whether you are experiencing minor or major symptoms, please do not take them lightly. Depression is a serious issue and can be life-threatening in severe conditions. Therefore, seek help from your local doctor or psychotherapist to discuss a treatment immediately.
