Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
A person who suffers depression may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities and sometimes feel as if life isn’t worth living.
The condition may require long-term treatment but don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.
First, here are five symptoms of depression.
- Lost interest
Depression can take the pleasure or enjoyment out of the things you love, making you lose interest from things or activities that you were into before.
Another area where you may lose interest is sex. Symptoms of major depression include a decreased sex drive and even impotence.
- Anxiety
Anxiety can also be a sign of depression. This may come with nervousness and restlessness about a particular thing.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
Part of the reason you might stop doing things you enjoy is that you feel very tired. Depression often comes with a lack of energy and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, which can be among the most debilitating symptoms of depression. This could lead to excessive sleeping.
Depression is also linked with insomnia, as one might lead to the other and vice versa. They can also make each other worse. The lack of quality, restful sleep can also lead to anxiety.
- Changes in appetite and weight
Weight and appetite can fluctuate for people with depression. This experience may be different for each person. Some people will have an increased appetite and gain weight, while others won’t be hungry and will lose weight.
One indication of whether dietary changes are related to depression is if they’re intentional or not. If they’re not, it may mean that they’re caused by depression.
- Uncontrollable emotions
One minute it’s an outburst of anger. The next you’re crying uncontrollably. Nothing outside of you prompted the change, but your emotions are up and down at a moment’s notice. Depression can cause mood swings.
