“I was feeling low, but my sadness prolonged and I just wanted to be alone. Gradually, it became very challenging to work. Am I depressed?”
A Patient.
Signs of depression are not always visible. It may start with a mild sadness then pessimism continues, and then you don’t want to do anything. In extreme cases, you may not even want to live anymore. That’s acute depression. But there is no one pattern as different people may show different signs:
1- Trouble Sleeping
Do you feel that you have slowed down a bit and are demotivated? Do you often wake up in the middle of the night and find it hard to sleep again? You might be depressed. Then there are some who find it difficult to get out of bed and may sleep for long periods during the day. The trouble only increases, and when you can’t get a full night’s sleep, you feel heavy the next morning and find it hard to work normally. You should consider seeking medical help if the trouble continues for long.
2-Loss of Interest
Are you losing interest in work and are unable to fulfill your responsibilities? Even if you try to indulge in a hobby you find it hard to continue; these are signs of major depression. “If you loved to spend time with grandchildren but now find you don’t want to see them, then you are likely to be depressed,” says Dr. Abeya. This loss of interest often leads to a feeling of guilt and worthlessness.
3-Inability to Concentrate
Another sign that you are depressed is ‘lack of concentration.’ You may find it challenging to receive or give direction. You may not comprehend what you’re reading and are not able to recall or memorize even the simplest details. Lack of concentration will gradually affect your work so much that others in the workplace start pointing you for the same. And when it happens, the problem gets aggravated.
4-Change in Appetite
Have you been overeating? Did you observe that you were anxious when doing so? When you are depressed, you may stop eating too. It happens because you are no longer concerned with your physical well-being or lose appetite. This change in appetite is a sign that you are in a depression.
5-You Lack energy
This could be a cardinal symptom of depression. You not only lose the spring in your step, you find you drag yourself through day with very little reserve of energy. You may feel tired and lethargic, further worsening your already sad state of mood.
6-You Have Become Intolerant
Are you getting the feeling that everything is getting on your nerves? Do you get agitated and have become short-tempered? It’s may be a sign that you are depressed. It is an aberration from your normal behavior, and you should get in touch with a doctor immediately if there is too much aggression in your behavior.
7-You May Feel Aches And Pains
When you are in a severe depression, you may feel pain in the stomach, back or may get severe headaches as well. Depression doesn’t just affect you mentally; it may affect you physically too!
8-Thought of Death or Suicidal Intention
Are you getting a feeling that life is not good and that you can’t live like this anymore? Do you feel like ending your life? Well, it is depression at its worst, and you should seek medical assistance. See your GP and access a psychiatrist.
