We all have our low moments in life. Sometimes life challenges can be overwhelming, causing us to experience breakdowns. But after a while, we get back up and continue with our regular lives. The blues are normal occurrences for humans, which we get from time to time.
However, on some occasions, we fail to bounce back, and our moods begin to interfere with our daily functioning. At this point, our blues may become what mental health specialists refer to as clinical depression. This is a critical condition that requires professional intervention as soon as possible.
So, how will you know that it’s time to seek help? By looking out for depression symptoms, and how long they last. The following are the major symptoms of depression. If they last for two weeks or more, it is time to seek medical assistance.
- Feeling hopeless: It’s normal to be sad, frustrated, and regretful. However, when you have unrelenting hopelessness that doesn’t seem to go away, and you can’t see beyond your current pain, it is time to call for help.
- Loss of interest in activities you enjoyed: It may be playing soccer, hanging out with friends after work, or cooking your favorite meal every weekend. Observe any changes in your patterns.
- Changes in sleeping habits: Depression may lead to either excessive sleeping or inadequate sleep. Check whether your sleeping habits have drastically changed recently and sought help if they don’t improve.
- Lack of concentration: Sometimes, we lose our attention when talking with friends or handling an assignment. However, depression causes a lack of concentration and difficulty in decision-making. This might affect our relations with others. If you realize you are struggling to handle tasks that you did easily in the past, this might be a sign that you need to seek help for depression.
- Increased aggression and irritability: You begin to have random mood swings and feel irritated by minor issues such as someone asking you for directions. If you realized that you’re becoming moody, irritable, and agitated fast, get instant help.
- Loss of energy: When you constantly feel tired, even in the morning, without doing any tasks, this might be a sign that you need to seek help for depression.
- Decreased self-esteem: Depression is usually accompanied by feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and self-loathing. You may begin feeling that you are not enough and deserve everything you are going through, which may lead to self-harm. Make a call to action if you realize these feelings are worsening.
- Losing weight: If you are experiencing weight loss unintentionally, it may be time to consult your medical professional.
- Suicidal thoughts: Seek immediate help if you experience constant thoughts of ending your life or are self-harming in ways such as cutting yourself. This is a serious symptom of depression.
Conclusion
Suppose you experience 5 or more symptoms mentioned above for more than 2 weeks almost every day. In that case, it’s time to seek medical help, particularly if these symptoms affect your everyday life. The medical professionals may diagnose you for depression and offer you appropriate help and support.
Depression is real and could cause severe consequences, such as suicide. Don’t suffer alone; reach out and get the help you need.