With over 300 million experiencing depression worldwide, it is one of the most common mental health conditions that exists. Depression affects people of all ages, ethnicity, race, gender and income levels. Yet depression can look very different depending on age and other factors.
Knowing how to recognize depression symptoms is an important first step toward finding help when you or someone you care about is struggling.
Common Symptoms of Depression
You may be depressed if you have at least five of these symptoms occurring nearly every day for at least two weeks:
- Feeling sad or empty
- Having little interest or pleasure in doing things
- Experiencing a change in appetite with weight loss or weight gain
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Being tired, fatigued and having no energy
- Feeling worthless or guilty that you have let yourself or your family down
- Moving slowly or the opposite – being overly fidgety and restless
- Having difficulty thinking or concentrating on things such as reading the newspaper or watching TV
- Letting personal hygiene go – not bathing or dressing well
- Recurring thoughts of hurting yourself or thinking that you’d be better off dead
Depression Looks Different at Every Age.
Anyone at any age can experience an episode of depression. However, the signs, diagnosis of and chance that treatment will be sought can differ by age, race and gender.
Although depression is a very common disease affecting more than 300 million people worldwide each year, it remains misunderstood and stigmatized in general.
Many still believe that depression is simply a mood that can be “snapped out of” through positive thinking, prayer, exercise, other healthy lifestyle adaptations or a combination of these. While wellness and self-care are key components to an individual’s treatment and continued recovery, the truth is that depression is a serious health condition that needs a personalized treatment plan.
The toll on the individual with depression can be huge, affecting a person’s ability to function at work, school, socially and in relationships. Depression has been associated with increased heart disease, stroke, dementia, cancer, chronic pain, thyroid conditions and more. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
As debilitating as depression can be, it is a highly treatable disease. The vast majority of those who suffer from it can be effectively treated and return to a normal life, doing all of their regular activities free from the crippling effects of the disease.
Where to Get Help
The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential. Call 800-273-8255 or 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish.
And please remember, SOMEONE DOES CARE 🫂
Article Shared From https://www.pinerest.org/depression/overview/
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