5 warning signs of depression
Depression can affect how we feel, what we do, and even how we think. People often believe depression is just feeling sad all the time, and whilst this can be a part of depression, there are many more warning signs that are often overlooked. Below are 5 warning signs to look out for:
1. Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Does going to get coffee with your friends suddenly not appeal to you anymore? Can’t be bothered to set up your usual craft activity? Struggling to find the energy to go to training? Losing interest in things that once brought you joy can happen from time to time, when we are overwhelmed or feel like we are stuck in a rut. However, if you stop engaging in activities that made you feel happy or connected, it can often make us feel worse. So, if you start to notice increasing loss or joy in activities that you previously found enjoyable, or feel that your loss of interest is causing distress or impacting your relationships or work, then it may be a warning sign to seek help.
2. Feeling down
Depression affects what we do but also how we feel. Whilst it is normal to feel down or low in mood occasionally, it becomes a warning sign when this feeling occurs for a prolonged period and does not go away. Feeling down for a prolonged period can be an indicator that your mental health needs attention. You may also feel overwhelmed, irritable, restless or empty.
3. Change in behaviour
Depression affects how we behave. Whilst there can be big behaviour changes such as not attending usual activities such as footy training or cancelling on your friends, there are smaller behaviour changes to look out for such as being unable to make decisions, unable to concentrate, or not completing tasks at school or work.
4. Sleep Problems
Are you having trouble falling asleep as easily as you once could? Are you waking up early, when you used to get up late? Do you wake up throughout the night? Or do you sleep for 10 hours and wake up feeling tired? Changes in sleeping patterns can be a warning sign of emotional distress and depression. If you are experiencing sleep difficulties in addition to the other symptoms mentioned above, then you may be experiencing depression
5. Withdrawing from friends and family
Saying no to events or activities you once enjoyed with those closest to you? Are you interested in seeing people but just feel like you can’t? Withdrawing from those who know us best is a common sign that we may be experiencing depression. Often people describe that they want to see their friends and family but feel too down, ashamed, or fatigued to do so.
Some people around you may mistake social withdrawal for a lack of interest, or irritability for being angry at a certain person. Symptoms of depression can often be mistaken for something else, and as a result, people become more withdrawn and experience symptoms in silence. Experiencing any of these warning signs for two weeks or more, for most of the day, can indicate that you may be experiencing depression and may benefit from speaking to a professional.
If this sounds like you or someone close to you, or if you would simply like to learn more about depression, please contact the friendly team at Progressive Psychology on 0477 798 932 to make an appointment with one of our psychologists today.
Lauren Hall is a Provisional Psychologist at Progressive Psychology