4 Signs You Might be Struggling with Depression
It’s natural to feel down or anxious from time to time. What’s not natural, however, is prolonged feelings of hopelessness and despair. When these emotions grab hold, and won’t let go, it is likely you may have depression. Depression makes every day a constant challenge. You no longer enjoy life as you once did, and just getting out of bed can feel overwhelming.
Counseling can help you identify what's at the root cause of your depression and give you a set of skills you can use to get your life back on track so you can live the life you deserve.
If you’re unsure if you're suffering from depression, read on to learn 4 of the most common signs.
Signs of Depression
How can you tell if you are depressed? It may seem like an odd question, but a surprising number of people do not recognize that they may be suffering from depression. While some signs are obvious, others can be subtle.
Every individual may have a slightly different cluster of symptoms, so it’s important to recognize any changes in your behavior. With this in mind, however, here are four signs to look out for.
Changes in Weight
Depression can affect individuals in different ways. Some people may find they have no appetite at all and, before long, lose a significant amount of weight. Others may find their desire for food increases, as they may use food to soothe themselves emotionally or their cravings may be out of whack due to increased stressors.
Changes in Sleep Cycles
As with a person’s appetite, the changes to one’s sleep cycle can also go in one of two directions. You may notice you feel lethargic and want nothing more than to sleep all day. Sometimes this is an avoidant behavior, as it may seem easier to sleep than to confront some of the problems in your life. Or, for some people, you may find you can't fall asleep because you're worrying incessantly or your're just restless all night.
Anger and Irritability
Issues with anger can often be traced back to depression, as unresolved anger can lead to both depression and anxiety symptoms. You may find you are easily frustrated and everything irritates you, or you may just be overly moody or extra sensitive. If you suddenly find yourself with a short fuse, and things that used to not bother you now cause you to fly off the handle, it may be a sign you need some help.
Physical Ailments
Many people don’t realize that depression can manifest itself physically. It is common for sufferers to feel sick to their stomach, have headaches, or have aches in their whole body. Some may find they seem to have a cold or flu that won’t go away, while others may notice their chronic conditions, such as arthritis, are exacerbated by depression.
It is important to recognize these signs so you may seek treatment as soon as possible. While depression may leave you feeling hopeless and helpless, reaching out for help could be the beginning of your life shifting in a positive and more hopeful direction.
If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.