Feeling sad on occasion is part of being human, especially when someone is going through a difficult time or dealing with loss or change. However, sometimes feelings of sadness or hopelessness can be overwhelming and linger over time, making it challenging to focus on other things. Negative emotions that start to impact a person’s actions or cause physical symptoms, like recurring headaches, may be signs of depression.
Clinical depression is a disorder that’s diagnosed by a professional, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms to understand when to seek professional assistance. Depression is a serious medical illness that affects and limits a person’s behavior and emotions. Becoming aware of the top signs of depression makes it easier to determine when it may be time to consult a medical specialist.
Anxiety and Irritability
While people might assume depression is primarily feeling sad or melancholy, other emotions may indicate depression as well. Persistent feelings of anxiety, irritation, and anger may also be indicators of depression. Other changes in a person’s mood, like being disproportionately annoyed at insignificant things, can also be a symptom of depression.
Unexplainable Fatigue and Exhaustion
Feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep or unmotivated to do anything can be signs of depression. Changes in sleeping habits, such as not falling asleep at night, frequently waking throughout the night, or sleeping too much, can also be indicators of depression. Fatigue is a common symptom in over 90% of patients with major depressive disorder.
Trouble Focusing and Concentrating
Struggling to focus or concentrate, remember details, and make decisions may be symptoms of depression. Also, if an individual loses interest in something that they once found enjoyable, like a hobby or a favorite pastime, this may indicate that the person may be depressed. When an individual is experiencing depression, life can feel boring and lackluster. Even enjoyable experiences like spending time with friends or family may start to feel like effort or work. A person experiencing depression might begin to avoid social situations or even stop leaving their house because socializing becomes a huge drain on their energy.
Feelings of Hopelessness and Helplessness
Another potential sign of depression is experiencing overwhelming feelings of emptiness, guilt, and hopelessness. Pessimism and persistent sad or negative emotions might be indicative of depression, as well as harmful or suicidal thoughts. Sharing these feelings and thoughts with a professional counselor can be an effective way of treating depression. It’s important to seek medical assistance when feelings like these persist.
People who experience some of these symptoms or notice them in others, especially if the symptoms persist over time, should consider seeking a specialist’s opinion. Since clinical depression is treatable with therapy or medication, it’s critical to get a counselor’s opinion instead of self-diagnosing. Horizon Counseling Services has a skilled staff of caring therapists who specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and other areas of psychological care. Depression is manageable with therapy or medication, so it’s crucial to seek help as soon as possible.
