Signs of Depression

As someone who has dealt with depression their whole life I can tell you from my person experience what signs I have shown that have proved to be related to depression. Not only that but, how I have found a few ways to combat these signs and reverse them.

Sign 1: Lack of interest with interaction of any kind.

Personally, I found myself unwilling to participate in any activities that include actual movement or exercise. Refuse to interact with peers and/or family members, but also feeling left out of most things. Just feeling wanted would be a nice change and would help get someone who is dealing with depression to leave their comfort zone.

Example:

What I’ve dealt with is no body wanted me around so my self-confidence and self-worth was non-existant during this time. What people don’t understand and honestly, will never even care to research and try to help make things easier for those with such issues; is that people (aka kids) who have special needs like ASD, Autism, Bipolar, downs, etc. are excluded from being apart of birthdays, activities, being friends with other groups because they are different (as in not like everyone else). This right here can lead to depression and various other forms of Behavioral mental disorders like anxiety, paranoia, etc.

When treated like you’re unwanted, this causes a person to not want to be anywhere they don’t feel welcome. Sometimes even their own home feels unwelcome to them. The only place they feel safe and comfortable is in bed and only in bed. That sleeping becomes a copping skill that makes the person forget the real world. This dream world where they feel loved and wanted is more comforting than the cold harsh reality we are forced to wake up to. I’ve personally wanted to stay in that place where the pressure of life doesn’t exist. If depression gets to great without someone taking notice sooner or later... well, watch this movie and see for yourself.

Disclaimer this video does not belong to me.

Sign 2: Emotional Eating

This one I’ve dealt with my whole life, mostly I binge when I am bored, however when I feel anxious and hurt... lonely, unloved, or unwanted; I would buy a lot of very fattening food like cheeseburgers, Texas cheese fries, chicken sandwich’s, fries, fried foods, good Mac n cheese (not the off shelf brand), and cookies, ice cream, and candy. Anything and everything unhealthy, hoping to fill that empty void. It hurts being alone and waking up to an empty bed while high school peers are getting married having kids. Heck, my niece who is 20 years old has a 2 year old and a husband (technically a fiancé), here I am alone, barely have any friends left since they moved away to opposite sides of the US, and lost my best friend of a decade long friendship. All this pain doesn’t help with controlling eating habits and helplessness.

For those who eat your feelings away, honestly distracting yourself with a computer, go on the internet and read stories. I prefer reader-inserts myself. Draw and show off your work, write a story, plenty of websites to write for. Wattpad, fanfiction.net, deviantart.com, and many others.

Honestly, my biggest ones for depression where disinterest in being around people of any kind and binge eating. I suggest trying to find a hobby you love, maybe find someone who loves that very same thing if you’re still going to school. Start off slow and work your way up. Find something you’re talented at and try getting better at it. Remember, you’re wanted and loved even when you don’t feel like it sometimes. There will always be people willing to talk to you and listen to you and help you. Just give them a chance, talk to a school counselor, church worker (if you go to church), there are numbers you can call that will listen to you and give you advice. You’re not alone, I’ve felt this way, I’ve known people who’ve felt this way, you’re strong and you are loved. Don’t forget that!