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Writer's pictureGavin McAtee

What Is Depression? Symptoms You’ll Need to Look Out For

Depression is a mental health condition that causes feelings of sadness, loss, emptiness, hopelessness and of being without the will to live. It can be difficult to recognize if you’re feeling down or if you’re just undergoing a normal depressive phase. You might not realize that there are certain signs that indicate depression is an issue for you. In this article, we will discuss what these symptoms of depression are so you can recognize them in yourself or your loved one(s).





In This article you will understand about,

1) What is Depression?

2) Symptoms of Depression

3) Signs You May Have Depression

4) Benefits of Depression Counseling

5) Conclusion


What is Depression?


Depression is a mental illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. While it is normal to feel down from time to time, depression is more than just a temporary case of the blues. Depression can last for weeks, months, or even years. If you think you may be depressed, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.


Symptoms of Depression


Depression is a serious mental illness that can cause a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may even change over time. It’s important to be aware of the potential symptoms of depression so that you can seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.


Some common symptoms of depression include:

Symptoms of Depression | Mcatee Psychology | Alberta
Symptoms of Depression

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for depression help. Depression is a treatable condition.


Signs You May Have Depression


If you're feeling down and out, it may be more than just the blues. Depression is a serious medical condition that affects your mood, thoughts, and physical health. Here are some signs that you may have depression:


1. You're Feeling Hopeless


One of the hallmark symptoms of depression is feeling hopeless about the future. If you're struggling to see any light at the end of the tunnel, it could be a sign that you're suffering from depression.


2. You're Isolating Yourself


Depression can make you want to withdraw from the world and isolate yourself. If you're finding yourself skipping social activities or pulling away from friends and family, it could be a sign that you're depressed.


3. You're Sleeping Too Much or Too Little


Changes in sleep patterns are another common symptom of depression. If you find yourself sleeping more than usual or having difficulty falling asleep, it could be a sign that you're depressed. On the other hand, some people with depression find themselves unable to sleep at all. Either way, changes in your sleep patterns are something to watch out for.


4. You're Losing Weight or Gaining Weight Unexpectedly


This is another common symptom of depression. Sometimes people with depression will lose weight because they have a hard time eating or sometimes, they'll gain weight because they find themselves comfort eating although this isn't very common.


5. You're Feeling Irritable, Moody, or Sad


These are all signs that you may be depressed. If you're feeling irritable, moody, or sad all the time, talk to your doctor about it right away and ask if you could be depressed.


6. Your Thoughts Are Racing or You're Feeling Tired,


Even If You Get Sleep Depression can cause you to feel tired no matter how much sleep you get. Depression also makes it hard to concentrate and your thoughts may be racing.


7. Suicidal Thoughts


Sometimes people who are depressed will have very dark thoughts and they might even think about hurting themselves. It's important to talk with someone if you have these feelings so that they don't become overwhelming and lead to a suicide attempt!


8. You Are Avoiding Socializing


If you are normally a social person, but now don't want to spend time with anyone or you make excuses not to go places and see people, this is another sign that something could be wrong. It can also be a sign of depression if you start avoiding all your regular activities and hobbies.


9. You Are Feeling Overwhelmed


All of these signs can be overwhelming! If you feel like you're getting more than you can handle, talk to someone who will listen like a trusted family Member or Friends.





Complications Of Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that can have a profound impact on every aspect of your life. While most people experience occasional periods of sadness or low mood, depression is more than just a temporary case of the blues.


Depression is marked by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and aches and pains. Depression can lead to emotional and behavioral problems such as anxiety, irritability, and recklessness.


While depression is often thought of as a disorder that affects only adults, it can also occur in children and teens. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting more than 16 million people.


If you're struggling with depression, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. Untreated depression can lead to serious complications, such as substance abuse, relationship problems, and even suicide. The causes of depression are complex and vary from person to person. Some people may be at a higher risk of developing a mood disorder because of their family history, brain chemistry, or life stressors. Heredity does play a role in depression.


Although the cause is unknown, there is a strong link between depression and family members who have had the disorder. Some research has suggested that changes in certain brain chemicals -- called neurotransmitters -- may lead to depressive symptoms. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that help nerve cells to communicate with one another. They are also responsible for mood regulation. The neurotransmitters most often linked to depression include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.


Although there are many causes of depression -- such as life stressors or a family history of the disorder -- it is important to note that not everyone who experiences these factors will necessarily develop the illness. Furthermore, some people may have a family history of depression but not actually experience any.


Benefits of Depression Counseling

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it may be time to seek professional help. Counseling can provide many benefits for people with depression, including:


-Learning how to cope with and manage symptoms

-Identifying and changing negative thought patterns

-Improving communication and problem-solving skills

-Increasing self-esteem and self-awareness

-Learning healthy coping mechanisms for stress and difficult emotions


If you are considering counseling for depression, it is important to get in touch with our therapist that you feel comfortable with and who has experience treating depression. Therapy is often most successful when it is ongoing, so be prepared to commit to regular sessions.



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