Depression is a severe mental illness that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. It is a mood disorder that can cause persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. It can also lead to a reduced appetite and weight loss, insomnia, irritability, and feelings of worthlessness and guilt. When left untreated, depression can lead to suicide.
While it is more common in specific demographics, depression can affect anyone. The good news is that there are treatments for depression, such as ketamine infusion therapy, that can help you manage your symptoms and get your life back on track.
However, specific symptoms of depression are commonly overlooked or ignored. It can lead to a delay in getting the necessary help and treatment.
In this article, we will discuss five symptoms of depression that you may not know about.
1. Appetite and Weight Changes
Changes in appetite and weight are common symptoms of depression. Some people may eat more, while others may eat less. In addition, some people may gain or lose weight due to the changes in their mood.
It is not entirely clear why these changes occur, but it is thought that the changes in appetite and weight may be due to a combination of factors, including the following:
- The person’s mood – people who are depressed often have a low mood and may not feel like eating.
- Changes in hormone levels– Low hormone levels such as serotonin will play a role in regulating appetite.
- The person’s lifestyle – for example, someone who is depressed may not have the energy to cook meals or go out for meals.
It is important to note that changes in appetite and weight can be symptoms of other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. If you are experiencing significant changes in your appetite or weight, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional.
2. Anxiety as a Sign of Depression
Even though depression doesn’t induce anxiety, anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of depression. Many people with anxiety disorders never seek treatment. The symptoms of anxiety and depression can overlap, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
Some people with anxiety disorders may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience many. The following are some common symptoms of anxiety:
- Feeling tense or wound-up
- Having a racing heart or feeling like your heart is pounding
- Sweating
- Trembling or feeling shaky
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Having trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming feelings of fatigue
- Experiencing changes in appetite, such as not being able to eat because of nausea or losing interest in food altogether
- Weight changes; either losing or gaining
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with a mental health professional. A mental health professional can help you determine whether your symptoms are due to anxiety or depression and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
3. Disturbed Sleep Patterns
There is a close relationship between sleep and mood. Sleep disturbance is common in people with various psychiatric disorders, including depression. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, which can worsen mood symptoms. In addition, some antidepressant medications can interfere with sleep.
There are several types of sleep disturbances commonly seen in people with depression. These include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, early morning awakening, and restless sleep.
Treatment for sleep disturbances in people with depression usually includes behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as sedatives or antidepressants. CBT helps identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sleep problems.
Medicines that are used to treat sleep disturbances in people with depression include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
4. Hopeless Outlook on Life
People with depression may feel like they have no control over their lives and see no point in continuing. This sense of hopelessness can be extremely debilitating and lead to suicide in some cases. The attitude is accompanied by feelings of self-hatred, worthlessness, helplessness, and guilt.
Also, people with depression may withdraw from friends and family and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. As a result, their mood begins to affect their work, school, and other areas of their life. It is essential to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.
5. Lack of Interest in Activities You Used to Find Enjoyable
Even though symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, one common symptom is a lack of interest in anything. People with depression may not feel interested in anything they used to enjoy, including activities, hobbies, and relationships.
This lack of interest can be very frustrating for the person with depression and their loved ones. It can be challenging to understand why someone doesn’t seem to care about anything anymore. However, it’s important to remember that this symptom is just a reflection of the person’s depression and not a reflection of their character.
There are many reasons why someone might lose interest in things. Sometimes, it’s because the person feels overwhelmed by their depression and doesn’t have the energy to do anything. Other times, it’s because the person has become so focused on their negative thoughts that they can’t enjoy anything else.
To Sum It Up
Depression can be a complex condition to understand and identify, even for mental health professionals. For the average person, it can be an even more significant challenge to determine whether they are experiencing symptoms of depression or some other mental disorder. If any of these symptoms above sound familiar to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
There is no shame in seeking treatment for mental health conditions. It shows great strength and courage. Know that you are not alone in this battle, as millions of people worldwide suffer from depression every day.
With the right support system in place, you can overcome this illness and reclaim your life.
