If you or somebody you love struggles with depression, it’s essential to recognize the signs and contact a doctor if they continue or become more severe. This article explores the warning signs of depression.

Warning signs

• If you start having trouble sleeping, whether falling asleep or staying asleep, try to keep a record and watch out for other symptoms. Excessive sleeping should be a warning sign. In some cases, those who are seriously depressed can sleep as much as 20 hours a day.
• Notice changes in day-to-day activities and responsibilities. For example, if there’s any mail piling up, unpaid bills that are left unopened, or everyday tasks like laundry, taking out the trash, etc., that’s being left undone. If someone starts canceling social activities and plans, or otherwise withdrawing themselves from you or staying out of touch with those regularly talked to.
• Marked changes in eating habits and appetite, or significant weight gain or weight changes, can signify many conditions, including depression.
• Keep a record of any unexplainable, uncontrollable episodes of crying.
• Keep track of any feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, or discouragement that last for most of the day for several days.
• Be alert if you or a loved one exhibits signs of unusual worry, anxiety, anger, irritability, negativity, helplessness, and hopelessness.
• If you or a loved one starts experiencing difficulty making even the smallest of choices, start to pay attention. This is one of the most prevalent symptoms of depression.
• Be aware of any behavioral changes such as disorganization, difficulty focusing and concentrating, or indifference to everyday tasks.

If symptoms of depression appear after a change in medication, contact the prescribing

physician as soon as possible.

If you have suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Finding help for depression

Symptoms of depression can sneak up slowly or appear to arise out of nowhere. If they come on slowly, it may be more difficult to notice, especially for yourself. Get in the habit of recognizing and observing yourself if you have depressive episodes.

If you recognize any of the symptoms and signs of depression  listed above, you may benefit from receiving professional help. However, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and depression can look different in everyone.

You’ll learn more through observing and noticing your own experience and; earning about depression. Add more signs and symptoms flags to your or your loved one’s list of depression symptoms as you spot them!

Call Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic today, and let their psychotherapy team gently guide you on your journey toward self-understanding and fulfillment.The clinic is now offering Telehealth to clients in Washington State, California, Texas, and Vermont!

Sources

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression