Depression
Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. It’s a bummer that people only think depression means you’re sad or they tell me “it’s not a big deal,” when really my brain makes it a big deal and my body is numb, I’m overwhelmed and exhausted.
Depression is the most complicated of all our emotions and yet one of the most common psychological problems a person can experience. Someone has called it the “common cold” of the emotions. It’s a feeling of gloom or sadness that is usually accompanied by a slowing down of the body. It is not just in the mind, but is experienced throughout the whole body. It’s in the stomach as much as in the head.
10 Things Everyone NEEDS to Understand About Depression:
You can’t just “get over it”
Depression isn’t made up–its a real illness
People with depression can still be high-functioning
Depression is common–just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean someone isn’t suffering in silence
People with depression are unwell, not crazy
Depression doesn’t make you “ungrateful,” “weak,” or “lazy'“
Depression is more than feeling sad–it affects your entire body
People with depression are NOT attention seekers
If someone with depression has a “good day” it doesn’t mean they no longer have depression
Depression doesn’t discriminate–it can happen to literally anyone
Symptoms
Different people have different symptoms. Some symptoms of depression include:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
Decreased energy, fatigue, or being “slowed down”
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
Restlessness or irritability
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
Warning Signs
Noticeable change in eating habits
Sleep too much or can’t sleep at night
Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
Loss of energy, fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt
Using alcohol or drugs to feel better
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, wishing to die
Overwhelming feeling of sadness or hopelessness, uncontrolled crying
Chronic negativism, feeling irritable
Trouble concentrating or making decisions