We all feel sad or low from time to time; it’s a natural part of life. But when these feelings overwhelm you, it can become a severe risk to your health. There are many symptoms of depression as every case is different. The symptoms of depression in people are also very varied. However, there are signs of depression that are prevalent and seen in different intensities in people with depression.

Here are some are signs of depression that you should be aware of:

Loss of energy

If you, or your loved one, experience constant fatigue, it might be a sign of depression. Fatigue can be caused by many factors, including stress and lack of sleep but when no other cause applies to your case, it might be depression. You will experience physical depletion even after a good meal and a good night’s sleep. You may also be sluggish for the rest of the day if you have depression. You may notice yourself sweating and panting when doing simple household chores. If you are always exhausted for no good reason, you might need to get tested for depression.

Loss of interest in activities

A clear sign of depression is losing interest in activities that you used to enjoy. You may find that you no longer get a sense of joy or pleasure from doing anything. Sometimes, this feeling is construed as fatigue, but it is quite different. You may have the physical energy to work or engage in a hobby, but you don’t want to do it. Such sudden changes in behaviour can be symptomatic of a mental health issue. It may end up with you being completely disinterested in doing anything.

Abrupt weight changes

If you experience sudden weight change in yourself or another, it may be symptomatic of depression. A significant weight change is a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Many factors are working together to cause weight changes when you have depression. According to information from CPOE.org, being sedentary, eating unhealthy foods, and a lack of energy contribute to weight changes. A change in appetite often causes a weight change. It may go either way; your appetite may be less or more.

Irritability and anger

Some people have a better handle on their tempers than others. However, if a relatively calm and composed person starts becoming easily irritable, it may be symptomatic of depression. While some people may only appear slightly irritable and growl more or keep staring angrily, others may become violent. Sudden anger-fueled rants or rampages are signs of serious depression. It may be that one thing triggers your anger, such as the barking of your neighbour’s dog. In other cases, everyone and everything may cause you to be angry, which is worse than the former.

Reckless behaviour

Depression is a feeling that leaves life feeling quite bland. Some people may try to cover up that feeling by engaging in reckless behaviour. While some people have a higher tolerance for danger than others; when you are depressed, the behaviour is entirely out of the ordinary. This is what is known as ‘escapist behaviour’.

You may find yourself engaging in dangerous activities such as skydiving or fighting when you are depressed. It may also be dangerous behaviour, such as reckless driving or substance abuse. The bad news is that the behaviour may start small with things like shoplifting, but the more severe the depression gets, the more dangerous the activities get. Soon, you find yourself risking your life.

Cognitive issues

Depression is a mental health disorder, which means it can affect brain function. If you find that you are having problems concentrating on tasks, then you may be depressed. Concentration is vital for success in any task, even cleaning your kitchen. If you have depression, a task that takes an hour may take you up to double the time to complete.

Human memory is incredibly delicate, and depression can cause it much harm. A person suffering from depression will often forget even the minutest of things. Depression may also affect your decision-making ability. You may take longer to make decisions, or making even a simple decision may involve a significant amount of strain.

Takeaway

There are many more signs of depression, but these are the easiest to notice. It is crucial to get tested for depression if you have any of the above signs, particularly in combination. Depression is a serious issue and needs to be addressed as soon as it is recognised. The only way to be successful is to be aware of the symptoms.

Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.