The seven signs that you are depressed (and of which you are not aware)
Last month the European Day of the Depression, a commemoration that aims to raise awareness about this disease that 11% of European citizens suffer at some point in their lives and that it is already the health problem more frequent in some countries. And it is more common than we think. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it affects more than 300 million of people all over the world.
Being so frequent can lead us to confuse this mental illness with variations that can suffer the state of mind. Feeling sad about certain complicated situations in everyday life or having negative thoughts when there are problems, is part of normalcy and does not mean that you have a depressive disorder.
In some cases the symptoms of this disease may go unnoticed, so we have chosen a list of signs that may mean you have a depression, explained by specialists.
An overwhelming feeling of sadness
Feel sad It is an emotion that is part of our daily lives. But yes Lasts for more than two weeks and other people notice a very abrupt mood change in you, it may be time to ask yourself if you are falling into a depression. If you are not sure and want to differentiate between clinical depression and everyday sadness, Victor Schwartz, medical director of the Jed Foundation (an American organization that works to take care of the emotional health of adolescents and young adults), gives the clues in 'The Healthy'.
If you have suicidal thoughts, call the Telephone of Hope: 717 00 37 17. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
A simple way to know is to think if you feel sadness in a different way to the one you've suffered before. Similarly, if you turn to alcohol or other substances to alleviate it, it can be an indicator that you are depressed and not just sad. In addition, if it is interfering with the way you live your life, it may require the evaluation of a specialist: psychiatrist or psychologist.
Decrease of interest for things
Depression can also involve a loss of interest by activities that we previously liked. If you no longer find it pleasant to meet your friends or avoid physical contact, it could indicate a low mood. The help of a specialist can be crucial if you are training or are in a depression. Therapies could help you regain the desire to perform these activities.
Significant changes in weight
A meta-analysis conducted with adolescents (published in 'Plos One') concludes that there is a relationship between depression and obesity. It is not uncommon for depressed people to find comfort in food.
On the other hand, some people suffering from this disease they lack energy to eat, so a depression could also lead to the opposite effect. As a result, they lose weight.
Sleep a lot or a little
As with the previous point, sleeping too much or too little can be a symptom of depression. The Sleep disturbance is a central symptom of clinical depression, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Specifically, the association notes that insomnia is common among depressed people.
"About 95% of my patients, whether they have depression or not, have trouble sleeping," says Peter Economou, a specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy. "Often, people start to negatively associate sleep and fear going to bed"highlights.
If the sadness lasts more than two weeks and other people notice a very abrupt mood change in you, it may be time to go to the specialist
But nevertheless, not all people with depression have insomnia; Many sleep more. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps them sleep and medications for depression can help relieve sleep-related problems. In addition, the centers for disease control and prevention recommend that people try to increase exercise and avoid caffeine, alcohol and electronic devices before going to bed to sleep better.
Feel useless
Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness are common in people with depression. "These could be the result of a specific moment in life. But what I see most in my query is that are produced by chronic exposure to stress ", notes Economou. In this sense, he explains that these feelings endure over time, therefore, they can become overwhelming and become a stigma.
Difficulty concentrating or indecision
A loss of confidence can make decisions difficult: if you don't trust yourself, How can you choose the right option? Therefore, fighting continuously against doubt will also interfere with your concentration, according to Economou. If it is difficult for you to concentrate, something that is typical in repeated depressive episodes according to the World Health Organization (WHO), your doctor may recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medications for depression.
Thoughts related to death
According to the Jed Foundation, people fighting depressive disorders have a higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts. Some common signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors include talking about ending life, abstinence, abusing certain substances and giving away personal possessions. If you have such feelings, just Call the Telephone of Hope: 717 00 37 17. There will always be someone to help you: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
These are just some of the signs that you might have a depression, but don't get carried away by them alone. If you really feel bad and you don't know why, go to your GP so you can be referred to the specialist you consider most appropriate.
Dental malocclusion: causes, symptoms and treatments
11 types of olive trees and their characteristics
The changes that occur in your body when you drink a glass of wine at night
About The Author
