Recognising signs of depression in yourself isn’t always easy. After all, it’s not always a significant change that happens suddenly; it’s the slow disintegration of who you are and how you feel that slowly chips away at you until you find yourself in the black pit of despair, not knowing how to climb back out.
Identifying signs of depression in others is inherently easier, as the way they behave and interact with you will distinctly change, or they will have telltale signs that all isn’t well. But pinpointing those in yourself isn’t as easy. These tips can help you spot the signs and get the help you need to treat this condition before it’s too late.
Continuous Low Mood
It’s entirely natural for people to have an off day or a few on the run, but if you notice this lingering low mood isn’t shifting despite anything being apparently wrong (or after a significant event), then it might be worth talking to someone about this as continuous low moods can be a sign of depression especially if you’ve got from being an upbeat, sociable person to suddenly not finding joy in anything.
Change in Habits
People struggling with depression will typically start to change their behaviour patterns, and things they used to love doing don’t bring them that same joy anymore. Or they might stop doing things that were once habits in their life. Does this sound familiar? Have you stopped doing your favourite activities? Have you found you’re maybe not going out as much? You’ve started watching more TV and staying home lately, not wanting to partake in social activities? If you’re changing your usual habits, paying attention and seeking help is important.
Changes in Appetite
Depression can impact people in different ways, and a lot of people find that their appetite is the subject of such changes. Stress and depression can affect your appetite, and you might find that you’re losing weight because you’re not eating enough or you’re putting on weight because you’re eating too much and food is giving that dopamine rush you’re not getting elsewhere. While subtle, you must recognise any changes in your eating habits, even the types of foods you’re eating, to allow you to get a grip on fueling your body and regain your regular eating habits.
Negative Thoughts
If you have more negative thoughts than usual or nothing is sparking joy or interest, it could be time to talk to someone about what is happening in your head. Depression doesn’t discriminate, and it doesn’t matter what is giving you these negative thoughts or even if there’s a valid reason for them. Simply having them can be harmful to your physical and mental health. Talk to your doctor or look at depression counselling to help you overcome this negative mindset and help yourself back out of the hole before it gets any deeper.
If you feel you are struggling with any of these signs or other signs of depression, it’s vital to talk to someone about how you are feeling and get the help you need to start your recovery. Depression will be different for every single person, so it is essential to know what is different for you, not measure yourself by someone else’s idea of depression.
