How to know when you have depression?
When you have depression: It is a normal reaction when someone feels sad to the lows and struggles of life, but when that feeling intensifies, with accompanying a sense of helplessness, worthlessness and hopelessness, it can be categorised as clinical depression. Especially when this state of mind affects the quality of life and persists for two weeks or more.
The doctor’s diagnosis?
According to the latest criteria that most doctors use for the diagnosis of depression, a person is diagnosed if he/she has 5 or more of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or longer:
- low mood
- Loss of energy or feeling tired
- Feeling guilty all the time
- Loss of concentration
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of interest
- Suicidal ideation
- Feeling restless or slowed down
Although these are the most common symptoms, these are not present in everyone alike. It also matters how long they have persisted and in what severity.
Why dealing with depression can be difficult
Depression can drain you physically and emotionally thus making a person abstain from activities he likes. It causes loss of drive, hope and energy. Depression can also have physical manifestations like back pain, joint pain, appetite changes and even digestive problems. All this can make matters worse and makes it difficult to deal with depression at times.
When and how to get help?
Depression should not be taken lightly and if you feel you might be suffering from depression you should always seek help as soon as possible. It can be difficult to deal with on its own therefore getting support always comes first. Here are a few words of advice when reaching out for support in depression:
- Always look for support in people who cares for you and make you feel safe
- Always try to meet people in person instead of phones, social media etc.
- Try to perform most of your social activates even if you don’t feel like it
- Join a support group for common problems that have common solutions.
When suffering from depression, your mental health takes first priority, so try doing things that make you happy, pick up an old hobby you liked or take a trip somewhere you have been planning.
In addition to these always take care of your health with proper sleep and a balanced diet as lack of the can also lead to depression. Daily breathing exercises and related techniques can also reduce symptoms of depression, reduce stress and even increase joyful feelings.
