Although each and every one of us will have experienced a period of situational depression caused by the events in everyday life; there is a vast difference between this feeling and that of clinical depression which can impair the day-to-day functioning of an individual.
Depression – Recognizable Signs and Symptoms
Depression is often described as feeling as though one were living in a black hole with no escape. Each day is punctuated by feelings of hopelessness, fatigue and emptiness. Although the level of severity and intensity of the symptoms will vary from one individual to another, there are some recognizable signs and symptoms that one can watch out for in order to ensure that timely intervention is sought – as severe cases of depression can lead to suicide or risky behavior (such as taking illegal substances or irresponsible thrill-seeking that endangers the individual's life as well as those around him/her) in many cases.
These signs can be emotional or physical, and are varied. For this reason, they can also be related to other diseases - which highlights the importance of seeking a professional medial diagnosis once these symptoms are noticed in order to ascertain what the correct treatment would entail.
Emotional Signs of Depression
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Problems concentrating or focusing.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Thoughts of death and suicide.
- Loss of interest in favorite activities and life.
- Feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope.
Physical Signs of Depression
- Changes in sleeping patterns – Sleeping more or suffering from insomnia (sleeplessness).
- Significant weight gain or loss.
- Fatigue.
- Digestive problems.
- Headaches.
High Risk Categories – Susceptibility to Depression
Individuals with certain backgrounds and experiences tend to be more susceptible to becoming depressed than others. These risk factors include:
- Family history of depression.
- Abuse - Physical, sexual or emotional.
- The loss of a loved one.
- Stress - Caused by arguments with people in close family or friend circles.
- Gender - Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men are, due to the influence that hormones can have on mood. Periods in a woman's life such as menopause, monthly menstrual cycles and pregnancy see dramatic changes in hormone levels that can affect mood - leading to the emotional symptoms listed above. Men are less likely to admit to being depressed; and often do not seek help for the emotional symptoms of depression due to the perceived weakness that this implies.
- Age - People over the age of 65 become especially vulnerable to depression; which is often caused by the loss of independence, among other factors.
- Life-changing events - Such as moving house or changing jobs.
- Smokers who quit.
- People with financial worries.
The above-mentioned symptoms and risk factors are not exhaustive, yet form a foundation for allowing one to recognize these behaviors in close family and friends in order to assist them in obtaining proper medical assistance.
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