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11 Signs of a “Depression Episode” You Should Know About
Depression can be a stealthy condition that sneaks up on you, sometimes without your even noticing it. If you’ve been feeling “off” and aren’t sure why, it may help to identify the symptoms of a depression episode. These episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, but knowing the warning signs can help you contain the situation before it escalates. Here are 11 warning signs to look for:
1. Extreme Fatigue
You may feel absolutely exhausted, despite a full night’s sleep. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, preparing a meal, or putting on clothes may seem like too much to millions of people suffering from depression. Such tiredness is not the banale one we hear about when talking about "being tired," this is a profound fatigue for body and mind.
2. Don’t Want to Do Activities That Used to Interest You
Hobbies, social activities or even time spent with loved ones may not bring you satisfaction anymore. Also a common sign of depression is the lack of interest or pleasure in activities that used to make you happy.
3. Chronic Depression or Hopelessness
If you have been feeling blue for a while, it may be depression. It’s common to feel hopeless or despairing — as if there’s no way out — during a depressive episode.
4. Changes in appetite or weight
You may find your appetite increases or decreases as depression takes its toll. Some have an increased appetite and gain weight, while others lose the desire to eat and lose weight. Such changes might be beyond your control and impact your wellbeing.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Often, mental haze emerges in the throes of a depression episode. You may have trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions. This can disrupt jobs, classes or other daily activities.
6. Sleep Problems
No matter who you are, depression usually wreaks havoc on your sleep patterns, whether that means getting too much sleep or too little of it. Sleeping too much or not at all can be symptoms of affecting your mental health.
7. Guilt or Worthlessness
Depression can bend the way you see yourself so that you think you are not good enough or you are a loser. You could analyze mistakes too much or you might think you are not good enough despite having no reason to feel it.
8. Increased Irritability
Depression can be something other than sadness. It can also manifest as irritation or frustration, particularly over minor things. You may also feel you’re snapping at people more easily or getting annoyed easily.
9. Physical Symptom With No Definite Cause
Depression is not solely psychological — it can manifest physically as well. Headaches, digestive problems, back pain or muscle aches are not uncommon even when doctors can’t find an obvious cause.
10. Social Withdrawal
Someone who is experiencing an episode of depression may isolate themself from friends, family and social events. You might become a recluse, declining phone calls, text messages or invites to hang out. These elements can exacerbate loneliness and disjointedness.
11. Suicidal Ideation / Self-Harm
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide are among the most severe warning signs of depression. If you are having these types of thoughts, it is important to get help right away. Speaking with a professional, friend or family member can help provide support and resources.
What You Can Do
If you are feeling any of these, please understand you are not alone and help is out there. Seek a therapist, counselor or doctor who can understand you and help you with your recovery. In fact, self-care, reaching out to friends and family and seeking professional support can all be key components of moving through a depressive episode.
Do remember, depression is treatable and that there is no shame in asking for help. Take the proper steps, and you can be back on track and feeling better soon.
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