Signs of Depression

Have you ever felt sad or lonely? How about feeling nothing or everything all at once? Feelings are so heavy and it is normal to struggle with them as they can influence our thoughts and actions immensely. It is okay to feel our feelings, but we ultimately should feel as happy as we can to ensure a happy life. In order to be as happy as we can, we should check up on ourselves and others to make sure we are all doing alright. Here are some warning signs of depression:

1. lack of motivation

Sometimes depression may drain us of our energy to do anything and we begin to lack the motivation to go to school, go to work, or even just take care of our hygiene. It's okay to struggle, but it's also okay to reach out for help.

2. increased fatigue or change in sleeping patterns

Depression is a tiring thing. It can become overwhelming and affect our physical and emotional energy causing many people with depression to be more tired than usual or have a different sleeping pattern than before. Our sleep can dictate almost our whole lives, so it is important to make sure our sleep is in check.

3. change in appetite

As I said, depression can cause a lack of motivation to eat three full, healthy meals daily, so a change in eating patterns can occur. Either lack of eating or lack of healthy eating can be a sign of depression.

4. feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

Depression obviously affects our emotions and has a drastic change in them. Lots of times people because sad and cry a lot more than usual. Other times people feel a lack of hope for a happy life or future. Also, people with depression can feel empty or absolutely nothing.

5. trouble concentrating

Depression can take up the whole mind and make it drift away sometimes. Trouble concentrating is a big sign of depression because it shows how much is on their mind or how much they are going through.

6. anxious thoughts

Depression and anxiety work hand in hand to ruin lives. Anxious thoughts may look like constant worry, major overthinking, panicky thoughts, racing thoughts, unlogical worry, and/or being nervous at times when it is unlogical.

7. increased irritability

Depression is overwhelming and can cause people to have a shorter temper because of all the feelings and thoughts racing through our bodies. Take time and breathe through times like these as they will pass.

8. isolation

If someone is trying to distance themselves from all people in their life, that could be a sign of depression. depression can increase feelings of social anxiety and decrease energy levels so it could be hard to socialize with others when feelings of depression are present.

9. self-harm

While this is one of the more obvious signs of depression, it is a very impactful thing that can be very serious. Make sure to look for signs of self-harm as it is a very serious issue and can be very life-changing.

These are some signs of depression as well as many more that you should look out for in yourself and others around you. You should make sure you keep up checking in on yourself on how your mental health is. Not everyone will have every symptom that another person has and vice versa. It's good to look out for these signs because ultimately it can save a life whether that be keeping them alive or keeping their life happy.

suicide and crisis hotline: 988

substance abuse and mental health hotline: (800) 662-4357

Be safe and you are loved!