Mental Health
Do You Have Any Of These 9 Symptoms Of Depression?
Does the word depression bother you? Do you know that it is an illness, just like a fever that can be easily treated? Do you know that today 2 out of 10 people across the world are suffering from depression?
“In a survey, we found that with depression, one of the essential things you realize that you’re alone. You’re not the first to experience it. I wish I had somebody at that time who could pull me aside and [say], ‘Hey, it’s going to be okay.” – DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON
Does the word depression bother you? Do you know that it is an illness, just like a fever that can be easily treated? Do you know that today 2 out of 10 people across the world are suffering from depression?
Well! If you know all of this, then you must not be worried. Please do not think of depression as a disorder or the end of everything; it is a pathway to a new beginning. It is a treatable mental illness that is as common as cold and flu. So, if you are not afraid of fever and cold, then why should depression seem like a big problem. All it needs is love and care.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder with a persistent sensation of feeling sad and worthless. It is a constant stage/ feeling, not a passing one; it lasts on average for 3 to 6 months, and with every day, it just makes interaction difficult.
Why Is Awareness Required?
I chose to discuss this topic because I strongly feel that it is time we are open about this illness and reach out to those suffering from it. I have gone through it, and I know that it is the worst feeling on earth, but Trust me, friends, the good part is, if we decide to cure ourselves, we can come out of this state very quickly. I helped myself by stepping out of my room after three days and meeting a counselor.
What Causes Depression?
Any event or stress can lead to depression; it is a state where you would want to be alone, and nothing would seem to interest you. Life events, injury, past trauma, or even genetic disorders can lead to depression.
What’S The Solution?
The solution is to reach out to the right people; support of family and friends, psychotherapy, and medication can take you out of this situation. Don’t be shy to talk about it; most legends have gone through this situation, even after becoming great. So, if they could come out smiling, why not YOU.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?
I am sure none of you enjoy this terrible state of depression, but the difficulty is how do we know if we are suffering from depression. Most people regard normal mood swings or temporary sadness as depression, but clinically depression has some specific symptoms.
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Persistent Sadness
‘If you are feeling like you are winding things around you and you begin to feel like there is no sunlight around you and you are incapacitated with dread, this is the thing it is and here’s how you can help yourself.’ – Kristen Bell
If you are persistently feeling sad and low, if nothing seems interested you, if you are crying without knowing what triggered the emotion and if you are persistently feeling anxious and worthless, then these are visible signs of depression.
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Loss Of Interest In Your Passion
“I experienced a period where I was depressed. Like, I am locked in a room, and my dad had to break my door down.” – Miley Cyrus
Imagine you love dancing, any good music can put your feet in action, but during
the depression, you might hate indulging in things and activities that interest you. All you
would want is to stay alone. If this state remains for more than a month, then you
must see a doctor.
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Unintended Weight Gain Or Loss
“I didn’t eat. I stayed in my room. I was in a terrible place in life, going through that lonely period: ‘Who am I? Who are friends? My life changed.'” — Beyonce
You could either stress I eat to combat depression, or you may be amongst those who lose their appetite when they undergo this mental illness. If there is a drastic change in your weight without any intentional effort, and your emotional state is also low, then it might be a result of depression.
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Loss Of Sleep
“If you have been brutally broken but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings, then you’re a badass with a heart of an angel.” — Keanu Reeves
Few people find it difficult to sleep, even after a long tiring day. If this problem continues beyond ten days at a stretch, then please visit a doctor. It could be due to depression.
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Anger And Agitation
“Not everybody ends up taking their life, but there’s a lot of people who are fighting with themselves every morning” – Deepika Padukone
Do you get angry without reason? Do things agitate you easily? Is your behavior affecting your social life? Do you feel difficulty controlling your anger?
By nature, you are quite friendly, but due to late, if anger, agitation, restlessness, and irritation have suddenly become a part of you, then it’s time to cure it with the help of experts.
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Unusual Persistent Fear
“The first time I had a fit of anxiety, I was sitting at my friend’s home, and I thought the home was burning. I called my mom, and she brought me back to my home, and for the coming three years, it just wouldn’t stop.” – Emma Stone
Fear and anxiety are the two best friends of depression. These are the worst feelings on earth and can lead to massive damage. So, if you find yourself walking across the room for hours, crying due to fear of losing something/ someone, then please go and talk about it to a doctor. Family and friends can also be of great help.
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Fatigue
“I wouldn’t say I lost interest in living, and I think maybe, fortunately, I had people around me who picked me up at probably the right point. But it was exhausting; every minute was exhausting. I didn’t know what to do” – Deepika Padukone
Your mental happiness is your most significant source of energy, and fighting the different voices that arise in your mind can be a very tiring affair. Some people go without taking a bath for days due to a lack of energy. So, if you find your energy levels are always on a low, then please visit a doctor or begin by talking about it to a friend.
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Lack Of Decision-Making Ability
“Many people have to accept that mental and physical wounds are at the same level of intensity. They can do the same harm to somebody’s self-confidence and their ability to perform.” – OLIVER BONE
There could be major decisions to be taken, but your mind is not interested in anything. Therefore you choose to stay away. This feeling is quite natural, as nothing looks lucrative to a troubled mind. Happiness is, after all, the source and the product. Treat them as a symptom of depression, and please do not get overwhelmed or feel guilty; take it as a phase and seek help.
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Suicidal Tendencies
“I remember I was sitting in my room for four or five days not wanting to be alive, not talking to anyone. That was a struggling time for me. I reached that point where I realized I couldn’t do it alone” – MICHAEL PHELPS
Unfortunately, the lack of understanding of depression has caused a lot of deaths. People think that this is the end of the world and the only way to escape the feeling of emptiness is to end one’s life. Well, these feelings are due to the mental imbalance caused during the depression. But please do not give in to this, your mind is a product of your thought, and you can master it, just by taking good care of it. The last time I had this feeling, I just googled ‘Best Psychiatrist near me,’ and I went to visit her. When I came back, I felt much better.
Final Word
Depression is a phase that can pass if you choose to treat it as an illness and seek medical guidance. The best thing to do is to visit your family or go out for a coffee with a friend. Trust me, it works.
