How To Spot The Signs Of Depression
With depression increasing it is important to learn how to spot signs of depression either in oneself, a friend or a loved one.
Depression can vary from person to person, but when it comes to signs and symptoms there are some tell tale signs that help a person know if they are suffering from depression or if a loved one is.
With the increase in depression in the UK and around the world, our lifestyle magazine team felt it was our duty to bring you an article on how to spot the signs of depression.
In 2014, a report found that 19.7% of the UK population aged 16 and over showed signs of depression or anxiety. That was a 1.5% increase compared to 2013. Now, according to official figures one in six people suffer from some anxiety or depression.
If you think you are depressed, then don’t suffer alone. It’s important that you make an appointment with your GP straight away and then talk to family and friends for support.
What is depression?
At one point in our lives everyone feels depressed. We have our good times and then we have our downs, but when you cannot snap out of those down times then it is important to seek help.
Depression is more than feeling sad in response to struggles and setback, depression is more than that. Suffering from depression changes you as a person, it changes the way you act and think and changes the way you function daily. It affects your ability to do normal everyday things and is a long-lasting low mood disorder that can take the pleasure out of normal activities and interests.
When a person suffers from depression it can make them feel like they are in a black hole with no way out. Some of the signs of depression can result in the lack of interest in friendships, work, and struggling to get through the day. Suffering from depression can make a person feel empty, angry, and restless.
Do I have depression?
It does not matter who you are, how much money you have, or if you are famous or not, anyone can suffer from depression. If you believe that you have the signs of depression, then the first thing you need to do is to contact your doctor. The next thing you need to do is to speak to family members or friends and explain to them how you feel.
Depression has a range of different symptoms, and it can affect everybody differently. I have listed some of the signs below.
How To Spot Signs Of Depression?
The symptoms of depression are:
- low mood, feeling sad, angry or irritable,
- lack of energy
- losing interest or enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy,
- struggling with concentration,
- getting tired very quickly,
- disturbed sleep,
- losing your appetite,
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- loss of confidence
- Unexplained aches and pains
- feeling guilty or worthless
Other signs of depression include:
- Feeling agitated,
- Lose interest in sex,
- Have thoughts of self-harm or thinking about suicide
Risk factors that can make a person more vulnerable to depression
The following examples of risk factors that can make a person vulnerable to depression:
Loneliness and isolation. A person who lives on their own is at a higher risk of depression, especially those that don’t have family and a support network.
Marital or relationship problems. A marital or relationship breakdown, or a troubled, unhappy relationship can increase the risk factors of depression.
Stressful life experiences. A major change in one’s life can help to change our emotions. Divorce, unemployment, bereavement, and financial problems can result in the increase of stress with a risk of depression.
Chronic illness or pain. A person suffering from chronic pain or serious illness can be at risk of suffering from depression.
Suicides in the UK: 2018
In 2018, according to official figures there were 6,507 suicides in the UK. The number of suicides in the UK in 2018 were significantly higher than in 2017, showing more needs to be done.
The number of male suicides continue to be much higher than that of female suicides. In 2018 4,903 men took their own life. The age group that has the highest suicide rates for men is 45 to 49 while for women it is 45 to 49.
The number of suicides in the UK for those under 25 continue to increase with the most common method being hanging.
If you see the signs of depression in a loved one, friend or workmate, do not ignore it, help them.