Feeling sad is normal part of life but when it’s intense and persistent then you or someone who you know needs help. Here are common symptoms of depression:
- Ongoing sadness, anxiety, or feeling numb or empty
- Things seem off and not right
- You’re crying for no apparent reason
- You feel hopeless and pessimistic
- Your mind or body is slowed down
- You have trouble falling asleep or you sleep too long
- Getting up in the morning is difficult
- Loss of passion for activities that you normally enjoy
- You feel unable to escape
- You’re brooding over any failure in your life
- You feel disconnected from the world or from those around you
- Aches or pain in the body
- Difficulty with concentration
- Tiredness & low energy
- Feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Plans to commit suicide or actual suicide attempts
The list of symptoms is broad and only certain symptoms may apply to you. We will look at cognitive distortions that are associated with depression in the next post. Remember: you can help yourself through depression. You need to understand the problem first and only then can you start your road back to feeling good.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you need to find professional help of psychotherapist/counsellor and psychiatrist. Many supports are available in your local community that can help you on your road back to mental health.
I think that it is very important for individuals to be openminded when reading this list. Many times individuals suffer from these symptons, but deny that they are feeling this way and dismiss that he or she may have depression.
We need to take ownership of our feelings, so that way through acknowledging them, we can attack them head on.
Therefore, I believe that self awareness is key
Also, I have worked extensively in the social services field and many people feel as though seeking help is wrong. This is not true. If you feel any of these symptons, you should meet with a psychologist.
One book that I love is mind over matter. It is a book which uses cognitive psychology to challenge the way that you think.
Excellent point, Arshdeep. A person who believes they have depression needs to seek professional help without feeling ashamed. I haven’t read “Mind over Matter.” Would it help someone with depression or anxiety?
[...] If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, professional help can allow you to treat your depression with both counselling and appropriate drug therapy for you. Self-help in terms of taking ownership and gaining understanding is important, still at times when things are overwhelming seeking help is the right step to regain your mental health. [...]