Most people do not understand how dangerous depression can be if left unchecked. They take it lightly, and will even go to the extent of making fun of someone suffering from the ruthless mental condition.
According to the World Health Organization, out of the 300 million people suffering from depression, 50% get no treatment. The reasons for not getting treated are many, but the most common one is that people are in denial. This is not only dangerous, but it can cause problems for individuals in the long run. So much so, if left unchecked, there have been cases where individuals have resorted to suicide due to severe depression.
Seeing how dangerous depression can be, and how it can develop in both adults and children, it is important to identify depression in its early stages and get the relevant treatment before it is too late. One way of identifying depression is through a couple of telltale signs.
Here are top 5 signs to keep in mind.
1. Anger Management Issues
People suffering from depression have anger management issues. They will lose their temper on just about anyone or anything, and they won’t know why. Since said people are irritable, they are not functioning the way they are supposed to. According to a study in JAMA Psychiatry in 2013, anger was a clear-cut symptom for no less than half people suffering from long-term and severe depression.
2. Obesity
It is not uncommon for people suffering from depression to see a loss or gain in their appetite. Initially, these people will be pleased as to how they are losing weight so quickly, but eventually, they will not have the energy required to carry out their daily activities.
To overcome this problem, some will resort to snacking, mostly on foods high in fat and sugar. They feel bad about themselves, thus increasing low self-esteem due to weight gain, resulting in an endless cycle.
3. Indecisiveness
You can be indecisive without suffering from depression. However, according to Cognitive Therapy and Research, indecisiveness becomes much more prevalent in women suffering from the ailment. Expecting the worst outcome or a sense of hopelessness may have a role to play, according to researchers. Such people often make terrible decisions i.e. risky sex, alcohol, skipping work and so on.
4. Social Media Addiction
Depression leads to social media addiction, and that is a fact. Normally, people scrolling through their social media feeds are dealing with undiagnosed depression. How may you ask? Well, it is a distracter that gives these people a high. It is self-medication with an adrenaline boost for every time they get a new notification or message. Of course, this is not a good thing, since it leads to adrenal fatigue.
5. Insomnia
When suffering from depression, people find it difficult to sleep. This is caused by the lack of energy and lethargy. Eventually, this causes people to stop doing things that excite them, due to exhaustion. In most cases, they will find it difficult to sleep, but there are even cases where a person suffering from depression sleeps a lot.
How to Deal with Depression
If you believe you are suffering from depression, understand and realize you are not out for the count. With strong support and professional help, you can overcome this problem for good. In case you do not know what to do, here are a couple of things to consider:
- Make sure you sleep enough. Do not set an alarm and sleep until you wake up on your own.
- Under no circumstances should you isolate yourself.
- Do not make the mistake of internalizing your feelings.
- Talk to others and be grateful for their presence.
- Write your feelings in a diary to deal with negative emotions.
- Have faith, and hope will find its way to you.
- Do not underestimate the importance of exercise. Exercise daily.
- Practice mindfulness.
Remember, it is crucial for you to seek help as soon as you see signs of depression. The sooner you get treated, the better, as failing to do so will lead to you into a downward spiral where you will not want to talk to anyone; which will make things worse than they already are. Visit a healthcare facility or use a reliable telemedicine platform to contact your mental health counselor.
Since depression causes a person to become selfish, with less concern for others, this can lead to guilt. If this does not make matters worse, the lack of motivation causes people suffering from depression to lose faith in all the great things in life. Keeping this in mind, no matter the situation or consequences, if you are suffering from this mental disorder, you need to push on, for happier and brighter future. If not for yourself, do it for others around you.
