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Depression is a word that you may have heard before and it is defined as a type of mood disorder that affects emotion, behavior, and cognition. Depression can elicit emotions such as sadness, anger, self-deprivation, loneliness, guilt, and anxiety. Along with emotional symptoms, people with depression also can have physical symptoms such as headache, fatigue, insomnia or hypersomnia, appetite changes, and concentration issues. 

While Depression is a more loose term when discussing depressive mood disorders, the more severe term used for major depression is Major Depressive Disorder, and it is found among 7% of adults in the United States. Many others may experience a lapse of depression or depressive episodes and other mental disorders.

                                                                         Five signs you may have Depression: 

1. Feeling Sad or Lost Most Days

Sometimes we may feel days where we are sadder or have a feeling of hopelessness, but if these emotions are more recurring than just some days, then talk to your doctor. The repetition of these emotions can be a sign of depression or another mood disorder. Your doctor can help you pinpoint the problem and give you different treatment options that can work for you. While some doctors may be better than others at helping alleviate and diagnosing these issues, therapists and mental health counselors specialize in treating a plethora of mental health issues including depression. They can help treat your depression and give you tools to deal with the effects of mental health issues. 

2. Having Appetite and Sleep Disruptions Such as Excessive or Deficient Eating/Sleeping

Many emotional symptoms follow depression, but there are also many physical symptoms as well such as loss of appetite or insomnia. Depression can also cause excessive eating such as binge eating and weight gain, and can also cause hypersomnia. Our body can fluctuate weight and sleep periods throughout development and adulthood, but if the symptoms are extreme or persist for a couple weeks or more, you may have symptoms of depression or another mental health issue.

3. Loss of Interest in Activities

Depression and other mental disorders can trigger a disinterest in activities you once enjoyed. This is related to a major symptom of depression known as apathy. Apathy is an overall lack of interest or enthusiasm and is a symptom often seen in people with depression. If you are feeling a lack of interest in your once favorite hobbies or activities, you may be experiencing a symptom of depression and you should contact your doctor. 

4. Concentration Issues at Work or School

If you are having issues concentrating at school or work you may be experiencing a common symptom of depression known as “brain fog”, which means the inability to process or retain information at a normal rate. You may be more forgetful or absent-minded as a cause of this and may have a hard time sticking to one task or focusing on one thing. If these symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time, contact your doctor or seek assistance from a mental health professional. 

5. Suicidal Thoughts

Some individuals that have depression or depressive thoughts, also can have symptoms of suicidal thoughts or ideation. If you are experiencing periods of sadness or hopelessness and are having thoughts about suicide, talk to someone you can trust. This can be family, a friend, or a mental health professional. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. The hotline can provide you with help from trained crisis counselors who can help provide you with resources right in your community.

Don’t be afraid to get help. Being in a dark, negative headspace for too long can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. Counselors and therapists are available to help.