Depression, as a mental health illness, is one of those things that is hard to explain if you have never experienced it or see it in someone close to you. It’s more than just feeling down. It’s more than just a series of bad days. Anytime that depression begins to affect your ability to do the thing you normally do, then there is a chance it may be more than just being sad.
Depression is a disease that affects millions of people, men and women, old and young, across all ethnic and cultural boundaries. And, chances are, it is affecting someone you know or love. Some symptoms that it may be depression, instead of just being down, include difficulty concentration, trouble remembering things, making decisions, fatigue, feelings of guilt or helplessness, sleep trouble (including both insomnia and excessive sleepiness), changes in appetite (either loss of appetite or always being hungry), and irritability.
One major sign of clinical depression is losing interest in things that you used to enjoy. This includes your hobbies and past times, as well as hanging out with friends and/or family, spending time with those you can about, and even losing interest in sex.
Thoughts of suicide are another big warning sign that it may be more than just the blues. If you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide, it is time to seek medical help. Immediately. Don’t wait around, because these thoughts and feelings can overwhelm a person, and they may take matters into their own hands quicker than one would think. Some warning signs of depression and suicide include always talking about death and dying, a sudden switch in a person’s emotions to being really calm, high risk taking activities (having a “death wish”), tying up loose ends (such as making sure their will is in order), saying such things as “Everyone would be better off if I wasn’t here,” as well as many others.
It is important to know the symptoms and signs of depression and suicide. Don’t hide from them, because they can spiral out of control. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, or someone you love, seek medical help.