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Everyone knows that you’re depressed when you wake up and every day after that feel like crap. You don’t feel like yourself, even when you try your very best. You can’t seem to find the good in any situation and life is a big blank puzzle with no solution in sight. But what if what others are seeing wasn’t actually there? What if you’re just reading this article because you actually have depression?If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, the following list of top 10 symptoms may help point you in the right direction. These aren’t flukes; these are real ailments that can strike at any moment, from anywhere. Thankfully, modern medicine has made great strides in understanding depression and how to combat it symptoms-by-symptoms. Read on to learn more about it so that you can regain your health and get back to living your best life.
What is depression?
This is a condition that affects the way you feel both physically and emotionally. You may feel sad or hopeless, or preoccupied with thoughts of death or suicide. You may have symptoms of anxiety, such as restlessness or difficulty concentrating, or irritability. You are more likely to be depressed if other physical health problems are present, such as a chronic illness or a history of trauma. Depression is also common among pregnant women.During a depressive episode, feelings of sadness, emptiness, or Anger are more intense than usual, while thoughts are more likely to be about death than your usual interests. You may have a decreased appetite, or have thoughts of food as disgusting. You may feel fatigued and have a decreased ability to sleep.
It’s not just the blues
Blue Mondays and Blue Wednesdays are a thing of the past. You may be suffering from a much deeper affliction. While the blues are common, and usually just a sign that you need more sleep or a break, if they persist for weeks or months, they could be a sign of something more serious. When someone is depressed, they may feel sad, empty, hopeless, or irritable much of the time, which interferes with daily activities and can make work, school, and friends relationships difficult.People with depression may also have changes in appetite and/or sleep, including fatigue and sleeping more than usual. In severe cases, severe depression may result in thoughts of suicide. While there are many types of depression, including bipolar disorder, it is common for people to experience more than one type at a time.
Unpredictable bouts of sadness and despair
When you’re depressed, you may feel sad, empty, hopeless, or irritable much of the time, which interferes with daily activities and makes work, school, and friends relationships difficult. You may have a decreased appetite or have thoughts of food as disgusting. You may feel fatigued and have a decreased ability to sleep.As the condition progresses, you may experience a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable and a decline in energy. You may find it hard to concentrate and make decisions; you may also experience physical symptoms such as a change in bowel movements or increased sweating.
Restless legs syndrome
RLS, also known as “carpet feet,” is a condition in which you experience an uncomfortable sensation of crawling or tingling in your legs when you are at rest. Most people experience this once in their lifetime, but for those with severe RLS, it can be constant and debilitating. RLS can be caused by a variety of factors, including fatigue, stress, and medication, so it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated.While the cause of RLS is unknown, it is believed to be an annoyance caused by abnormalities in the nervous system. You may notice that symptoms worsen at certain times, such as while you’re trying to fall asleep, after you’ve been on your feet for a while, or just before you feel like you need a break.
You don’t feel like eating or sleeping anymore
Someone with depression may often feel nausea, an intense dislike of food and/or a lack of interest in sex. This is known as anhedonia, which is both a symptom and a cause of depression. As your depression gets worse, you may find that you can’t function at all, let alone make a plan for healthy eating and sleep.It’s possible that you’re not eating or sleeping for other reasons, but if you are, you may notice that you don’t feel well. You may also find that you don’t have the energy to make yourself eat or go to bed.
Shallow breathing and dizziness
Your body’s fight-or-flight response is meant to help you react quickly to danger, but when you’re depressed and anxious, your stress hormones may over-activate. This can cause shallow breathing and dizziness, particularly when you’re tense or anxious.These symptoms can be a sign of a medical problem, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor if you notice that you don’t feel like breathing or holding your head straight.
Persistent headaches
Headaches are common, and usually due to a number of factors, including dehydration, genetics, and poor posture. However, if you’ve had headaches for weeks, even months, and they have no other explanation, you should see a doctor.If you’re experiencing a headache that’s constant, throbbing, and/or causes significant pain when you move your head or shift your position, you should definitely get it checked out. You may be suffering from a brain tumor, vascular problem, or a more serious condition such as migraines.
Conclusion
Life is full of ups and downs, but if you experience just a few of these while in a depressive episode, it’s something to be concerned about. Depression is a serious condition that deserves treatment, and it is never too late to seek help. Whether you are experiencing a minor bout or a full-blown episode, there are available resources for those who need help.There are still many people who experience depression without realizing it, but with the above information, you can spot the symptoms before it is too late. The earlier you seek help, the better your chance of fighting back against this debilitating condition.