9 common symptoms of depression to look out for

Depression is a mental health disorder that goes beyond just feeling sad. It is normal to feel sad or unhappy when you go through certain life changes such as a breakup, loss of a job, etc.

However, depression can loosely be described as feeling sadness for an extended period of time. Instead of the sadness lifting after a while, it tends to linger with no end in sight.

While it is best to seek professional help so as to get an accurate diagnosis, there are certain common symptoms that can tell you if you’re depressed.

Check them below:

1. Excessive tiredness
If you’re always feeling tired even when you’ve barely exerted yourself, you may be depressed. This excessive tiredness could hinder your day to day functioning and make you sleep too much.

2. Loss of appetite
Depression can lead to a lack of appetite. Patients are unable to eat leading to excessive weight loss.

On the flip side, some patients have an increase in appetite which results in weight gain.

3. Lack of sleep
You could lose sleep in the middle of the night, or be unable to sleep, even when you’re tired. Alternatively, feeling excessively tired could make you sleep too much.

4. Irritability
Depression can manifest itself as feeling irritable. Your tolerance levels reduce meaning that any small thing can make you lose your temper.

5. Feeling withdrawn
People who are depressed tend to withdraw. They avoid socialising and family life becomes difficult. They prefer spending time alone.

6. Loss of interest in usual activities
If you’re suffering from depression, you find that you don’t find joy in activities that you used to enjoy. You don’t care for your hobbies, sex, etc.

7. Poor memory or trouble concentrating
You have trouble remembering even the simplest things. When you try to work or study, you find that you can’t focus. Making decisions also becomes difficult.

8. Escapism
To get past that feeling of hopeless and extreme sadness, you might end up engaging in reckless behaviour such as drinking too much, substance abuse, reckless driving , etc.

9. Low self-esteem
Your self-confidence levels are lowered and you tend to feel worthless. You fail to recognize your accomplishments or see any good in yourself.

If you notice any of these symptoms, they’re not exhaustive, consult your doctor, a counsellor or psychologist for a proper diagnosis. Getting timely treatment can help you manage the depression and enable you to start enjoying life again.