How To Identify The Early Signs Of Depression

Everyone feels a little down from time to time. You might not feel like seeing anyone for a day or two and might not be interested in your food and doing the hobbies you love. If it lasts a day or two, that’s fairly normal. But if you’ve been feeling miserable and lethargic for a long time and struggle to find the energy to wash your hair or call your best friend, you may be in the early stages of feeling depressed.

It’s important to be able to identify the early signs of depression so that you can seek help, or encourage a loved one to seek help before it turns into a chronic – and sometimes life-threatening – condition.

Below are some of the symptoms and signs of depression to look out for. It’s important to remember that someone who is depressed may not show all the signs, or may experience a combination of them.

Behavioural red flags:

• Sleeping more than usual
• Avoiding company
• Not attending to hygiene
• An inability to concentrate
• Avoiding favourite activities
• Drinking excessively
• Leaving work unfinished

Physical symptoms:

• Constant exhaustion
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Upset stomach

Feelings to look out for:

Have you been feeling any of the below for a long time?

• Guilt
• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Inadequacy
• Frustration
• Irritability

Words to watch for:

Notice the words you use as they reflect your emotional health. If you are concerned about a loved one, you may be able to pick up some of these feelings by listening carefully to what they say and how they say it. These phrases are often a desperate cry for help, so don’t dismiss them.

• “It’s just not worth trying.”
• “I’m such a failure.”
• “I’ll never be good enough.”
• “The world would be better off if I was gone.”
• “I don’t care anymore.”
• “There’s no point in carrying on.”

These are just some of the signs and symptoms you should never ignore and this is by no means a comprehensive list. Always remember that you are not alone. Contact Psylegal for expert help in a safe, non-judgemental and nurturing environment.

Related Tag: Depression Treatment Melbourne