What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression comprises a group of conditions that elevate or lower a person’s mood. It is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. If left unchecked, it will interfere with our daily lives.

Depressive disorder is an important topic that deserves more attention than it currently receives. Unfortunately, many people suffer from this medical condition without realising it. To better understand this issue, we must become aware of depressive symptoms.

Despite the prevalence of depression in society, those who experience it may still feel a sense of embarrassment and shame about their condition. This can create a barrier between them and people who could provide them with help or support, which makes it even more important for all of us to stay attuned to the warning signs of depression.

Knowing what to look out for can make a huge difference in terms of getting the help you need. Common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and decreased interest in activities.  Depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition that can have a profound impact on affective disorder individuals’ quality of life. It is characterised by an array of severe symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, as well as changes in appetite and weight, difficulty sleeping, oversleeping, low energy, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and decision-making difficulties.

With major depression come feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. It is important to note that the experience of depression is highly individualised – everyone experiences it differently both emotionally and physically. Moreover, these indications may not always be indicative of depression; however, if you are experiencing several of these depressive symptoms for an extended time then it’s advisable to seek professional help from a qualified mental health provider.

It’s not always easy to spot the signs of major depression in others. Look out for sudden changes in behaviour, such as someone becoming socially withdrawn, constantly irritable, exhibiting episodes of crying without explanation, making drastic alterations in eating habits or sleep patterns, losing interest in activities they usually relish, or having difficulty focusing on tasks. If you notice these depressive symptoms in someone you know and care about, take the opportunity to reach out and lend your support. It could make all the difference in terms of their recovery journey from clinical depression.

Recognising the severe depression symptoms is crucial for obtaining the help needed to overcome this mental health disorder. By being aware of both our indicators as well as those exhibited by others around us, we can take proactive steps toward managing our mental health with more effective treatment for depression. If you believe that either yourself or someone close might be suffering from crippling depression then please don’t hesitate to seek Best Neuro Psychiatrist help right away! Remember that there is no shame in asking for help.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the aforementioned traits, seek professional help. Mental health treatment can vary depending on the individual, but typically includes therapy and/or medication. Additionally, there are several self-care strategies, such as eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough rest, that can help alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee is a mental health professional in Kolkata who runs Mental Health Research Centre. Treatment of depression is not impossible. With the right support and resources, it is possible to live a high-quality of life. Contact us or visit our best pyschiatric clinic in Kolkata if you or someone you know is experiencing depression or other mental health issues.