8 Signs You May Be Depressed

We all get the blues or feel sad sometimes, but there is a difference between feeling down from time to time and suffering from depression. Unlike the blues, which can last for hours or a couple of days, depression can be far longer lasting and dangerous if ignored.

In order to be clinically diagnosed with depression, the symptoms need to last for at least two weeks.

In a time where far too many people are shameless, and a variety of topics once considered taboo are now openly discussed, mental health issues are still often treated as a dark secret. There is no shame in suffering from a mental disorder, and know that it is not indicative of being weak.

If you think that you or a loved one may be suffering from depression, here are the signs to look for.

8 Signs Of Depression

Feeling Sad or Down

When sadness becomes your norm you may be suffering from depression. Feelings of hopelessness can take you to dark places, and without help or treatment it may be difficult to find your way back.

Low Energy

When struggling with depression you may start to lack the energy to do basic things such as shower, comb your hair, or to get dressed. Everything feels exhausting.

Trouble Sleeping

Although you may you struggle with a lack of energy or feelings of fatigue, you may still have trouble sleeping. You may having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

Change In Eating Habits

If you suffer from depression you may find yourself eating all the time, or you may stop eating altogether. When depressed you may use food as a coping tool, or may have a loss of appetite.

Thoughts of Suicide

When suffering from depression you may have feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and self loathing.

Risky Behavior

In an attempt to feel something, anything, you may engage in risky behavior such excessive drinking, drug use, picking up strangers, and even starting fights.

Irritability

When suffering from depression, you find yourself easily agitated, easy to anger, and also easy to tears. You may also find yourself easily frustrated, and anxious.

Difficulty Making Decisions

If you are suffering from depression you may find it difficult to make decisions, no matter how simple they may seem. You can’t decide what to eat, what to wear, or even if you should get out of bed. Everything feels harder, and just the thought of performing basic activities seem exhausting.

If you think that you may be depressed please consider getting treatment. For more information on depression and ways to treat depression please go to Helpguide.org.

“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increase the burden. It is easier to say, "My tooth is aching" than to say "My heart is broken".” - Unknown

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