Depression
Depression may be adaptive at times bringing some insight or reflection during times of grief, loss, or bereavement. Depression becomes maladaptive when it causes severe symptoms affecting your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and your daily activities of living including sleeping, eating, relationships and work.
Not everyone with depression has the same symptoms or feels the same way. One person might have difficulty sitting still, while another may find it hard to get out of bed each day. Other symptoms that may be signs of depression or may go along with being depressed include:
- Change in appetite resulting in a weight gain or loss
- Sleeping too much or not enough almost every day
- Feeling restless and unable to sit still
- Feeling that moving takes great effort
- Feeling tired or as if you have no energy almost every day
- Feeling unworthy or guilty nearly every day
- Having low self-esteem or feeling down on yourself
- Finding it hard to focus, remember things, or make decisions nearly every day
- Feeling anxious, worried, or nervous
- Drinking more alcohol or caffeine
- Taking more of a prescription or over-the-counter medication than is directed
- Smoking or using tobacco more often
Some common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment.
If you have been experiencing some these signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression.