Depression can strike anyone of any age or socioeconomic standing. Symptoms may include an unexpected decrease in interest in activities that usually bring joy and an inability to focus on daily tasks. Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and last weeks or months. Acknowledging early warning signs of depression could help you detect it sooner, giving you time to seek treatment as quickly as possible.
1. Change in Sleep Patterns
Depression may lead to difficulty sleeping, either falling asleep too early or remaining awake longer than usual. They may also experience unexplained physical discomfort, like headaches or stomachaches that are hard to explain.
Depressed people may find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy such as hobbies or socializing, and develop short tempers more frequently than normal.
Depression can be defined as a serious mental disorder when its symptoms manifest themselves almost daily for more than two weeks, making life uncomfortable or dissatisfying for those living with it. Individuals experiencing these warning signs are encouraged to promptly seek medical or mental health assistance.
2. Change in Eating Habits
When people begin feeling depressed, one of the first telltale signs is often reduced or absent appetite – such symptoms should not be ignored as an early indicator of depression.
Carbs may help boost mood, but it is important to select nutrient-rich carbs such as whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. Proteins also play a significant role in improving mood as they contain tryptophan, an amino acid that aids the body in producing serotonin. People suffering from depression should aim to eat a wide range of fresh, plant-based foods while limiting processed and refined carbs, sweets, junk food, and fried items. Furthermore, they should ensure they receive sufficient folate (vitamin B9) and zinc.
3. Change in Energy Levels
Feeling worn-down or having low energy is an inevitable part of life, but when these symptoms continue over an extended period and accompany other warning signs, it could indicate depression. People living with depression typically exhibit feelings of fatigue, low motivation, or motivation and may sleep more or less than usual.
Untreated depression may manifest with physical symptoms like muscle aches, headaches, or digestive issues that go undetected. Furthermore, individuals may become increasingly irritable or display mood swings; such changes in energy levels may contribute to feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt that further undermine an otherwise hopeful outlook on life, according to the ADAA.
4. Change in Emotions
Depression can produce changes to a person’s emotions that may initially be difficult to recognize; these adjustments, while minor at first glance, can have lasting ramifications on daily functioning and relationships.
These changes include feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and pessimism, as well as self-blame and reduced interest in activities. Physical symptoms associated with depression, such as headaches, stomach issues, and restlessness or fidgeting, should not be ignored, as these could be early indicators. If these changes affect you or someone you know, seek assistance from either a health care professional or trusted member of your faith community immediately.
5. Change in Personality
If someone in your life appears to be experiencing sudden personality shifts, they must discuss it. By doing so, you can ascertain whether their changes are associated with depression or other occurrences in their lives. Personality traits tend to remain consistent over time, yet research has demonstrated they can change. For instance, stress-inducing workplace experiences were found to increase measures of conscientiousness and openness while decreasing neuroticism levels.
Substance abuse, poor performance at school or work, substance addiction, and suicide can all have serious ramifications in daily life. If you have concerns, visit your primary care doctor or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for advice and help.
6. Change in Relationships
Depression can have a dramatic effect on all aspects of one’s life, including relationships. Changes in the way someone treats them, their interest in spending time together, or just simply not communicating are all indicators that should not be disregarded as warning signs.
Depression differs from just being sad for a few days — it’s a persistent low mood that interferes with daily activities and diminishes quality of life. Reaching out to loved ones and creating community connections will help restore pleasure and joy through activities.
7. Change in Mood
An individual’s mood can be altered by anything from traffic jams to major life events, but if those changes don’t fade back over time, it could be an indicator of depression.
Depression can be hard to recognize when combined with symptoms like fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and eating issues. If these changes affect you or someone you know, please seek professional advice immediately – depression is treatable, so the earlier it’s identified, the better the outcome will be. Medication or counseling may help manage symptoms more easily.
8. Change in Physical Activity
Unusual physical pain or discomfort, like headaches and stomachaches, could be telltale signs of depression. If these symptoms have persisted for two weeks or more, please consider consulting healthcare professionals promptly.
Awareness of depression’s warning signs can help college students and their friends recognize it earlier and seek treatment sooner—potentially preventing many unnecessary suicides each year. Being informed also empowers roommates or friends of college students who may be struggling and encourages them to seek professional treatment.
9. Change in Thinking
Depression often prompts negative self-talk that manifests itself in forms such as self-blame, criticism, or doubt regarding one’s abilities to solve a problem. Such thoughts do not stem from reality and only serve to heighten anxiety and depressive symptoms further.
Other warning signs of depression can include loss of interest in activities that normally bring pleasure (anhedonia) and an unusual preoccupation with death or suicide. If you or someone you care about notices these warning signs, please consider reaching out promptly to mental health professionals for guidance.
At times it can be challenging for older adults to identify depression and seek help. But it is essential to remember that depression can be treated effectively through medication and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy.
