No one is happy all the time. We all go through periods when stress, grief, or guilt are a main focus in our lives. Most of the time, these experiences are fleeting and resolve on their own. However, when a couple of bad weeks turn into an all-consuming part of your life, it could be a sign of a depressive disorder.
Many people try to convince themselves that their low moods and periods of exhaustion aren’t big deals, but this could prevent them from seeking help if they need it. Knowing what depression looks like—as well as the risk factors that make someone more likely to develop depression in the first place—can help you recognize the problem for what it is. Get the help you deserve after learning your way around these common signs that you might have depression.
Low or Empty Mood
One of the most well-known symptoms of depression is sadness, but that can be a little misleading. After all, everyone feels sad from time to time. When it comes to depression, though, sadness is usually an all-encompassing description for feelings such as sorrow, grief, guilt, and hopelessness.
It’s important to note that some people experience empty or numb moods instead of these emotions. You might not feel sad, but you do stop feeling happy or excited about things you used to enjoy. There’s a difference between feeling sad and feeling numb, and knowing how to recognize both experiences will help you identify the problem.
Decreased Energy
Decreased energy is another common sign that you might have depression. Insomnia and other sleep problems, which frequently accompany depression, can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. You can also experience low energy levels even if your sleep schedule hasn’t changed much. Ongoing fatigue is another way depression makes you feel numb or listless as you go about your day.
Physical Symptoms
You must also be aware of the physical signs of depression, which include headaches, cramps, body aches, and digestive issues. These symptoms can be indicators of countless different conditions, but if they stem from depression, they won’t go away even with treatment. If you experience stiff or aching muscles with seemingly no cause and painkillers don’t solve the issue, then there’s a good chance your mental health is the source.
Risk Factors
Telling the difference between a stressful period of life and a developing depression disorder isn’t always easy, but knowing the risk factors of depression can help. For example, if you’re currently experiencing or you have experienced a different mental health disorder such as anxiety, you’re more likely to develop depression.
Family history is another risk factor. There’s a strong tie between genetics and depression. Understanding how depression has affected your family members can help you recognize the signs in your own life. Knowing these common risk factors can help you seek a professional diagnosis early so that you can find effective treatment and start your journey toward better mental health.
