It’s normal for each of us to feel blue or sad. When our best friend moves away, or we lose a job, or we receive a poor mark on a test, we all feel disappointment or hurt. We may be despondent, and it may even get us down for a few days.
Depression, on the other hand, lasts much longer. Plus, it’s so pervasive, that it can interfere with your daily life routines, and it can even adversely affect your relationships with family, friends, and acquaintances.
Where sadness is something we feel about one thing, depression is something we feel about everything. Where sadness is a normal emotional state, depression is an abnormal emotional state. Where sadness subsides relatively quickly, depression persists for long periods.
Here are 10 common signs of depression that set depression apart from the typical sadness we each feel.
- Emotions of constant sadness or emptiness
- Hopeless or pessimistic feelings
- A belief that one is guilty, worthless, or helpless
- Irritability or restlessness
- Disinterest in activities, hobbies, or sex
- Fatigue, insomnia, and diminished energy
- Difficulty focusing, recalling details, and making decisions
- Changes in appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
- Various persistent physical problems (such as aches and pains)
If you have noticed these signs in your life over long periods and think you may have depression, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Then see a mental health specialist for treatment.
Relief from the signs of depression is possible. In fact, many of those who have depression go on to live symptom-free or maintain considerable control over their condition.
If you feel pharmaceuticals aren’t for you, EMPowerplus Advanced, combined with other healthy lifestyle changes, may be the answer.