14 Indicative Markers of Depression
Depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition can manifest in various ways, causing emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms that persist for at least two weeks.
Emotional and mental symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, irritability, difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things, and recurring thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.
Physical symptoms can include sleep disturbances, significant appetite changes, persistent fatigue, slowed thinking, restlessness or agitation, and unexplained physical complaints such as headaches or back pain. Behavioural changes may include withdrawal from social activities, decreased productivity at work or school, neglect of personal hygiene, increased use of alcohol or drugs, avoidance of responsibilities, and neglect of personal commitments.
Depression in older adults can sometimes be confused with aging effects, often featuring similar symptoms plus cognitive difficulties like memory loss or indecisiveness.
Effective management of depression typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, stress management and relaxation techniques, support systems, and for situational depression, focused treatment may include psychotherapy, CBT, and lifestyle adjustments to manage stressors.
Early and consistent treatment can be life-changing, reducing the risk of serious outcomes such as suicide and improving overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek evaluation and help from a qualified mental health professional.
Support for those with depression can come from offering understanding, validation, help with appointments, reducing stressors, helping with nutritious meals, spending time outdoors, and helping with significant tasks. In the United States, the Crisis Text Line and the 988 Lifeline are available for free and confidential support 24/7. For those outside the United States, Befrienders Worldwide can help find a helpline in their country.
If a person is experiencing suicidal thoughts, they should seek emergency help immediately. In the United States, they can call 911 or their local emergency services number. If a person is calling on behalf of someone else, they should stay with them until help arrives.
Many people with depression use therapy, medication, or both to manage their symptoms. If a person suspects they have depression, they should contact a doctor as soon as possible for proper care and treatment. It is important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Apart from depression, other health conditions like COPD, diabetes, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis require predictive and effective management for improved health-and-wellness.
- Dry skin can be a symptom of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease, often appearing in the form of red, scaly patches.
- Science has been working on developing aqueous solution (AQ) treatments for psoriasis, offering hope for those affected by the skin condition.
- The degeneration of the macula, a part of the retina, can lead to age-related macular degeneration, affecting vision.
- Obesity, a growing health concern worldwide, can increase the risk of various diseases such as NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) and type 2 diabetes.
- Engaging in outdoor activities can contribute positively to mental-health, reducing stress and improving mood.
- Regularly participating in health-and-wellness activities, like exercise and meditation, can help manage symptoms of depression and improve overall wellbeing.
- If you struggle with mental health issues, seeking support from family, friends, or a mental health professional is essential to better cope with your condition.
- It is crucial to remember that taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health, and it takes courage to ask for help.
