This guide will help you to understand the symptoms you may be experiencing, and when to best deal with them.
Understanding the Symptoms of Depression
Depression comes in many shapes and sizes and is a unique experience for the person suffering from it. Nobody can tell you how to feel when it comes to depression. That being said, there are acknowledged forms of depression whereby the signs and symptoms are universally accepted between people who have suffered from depression. You may have all, or only some of these symptoms.
The recognized symptoms across the board, no matter the type of depression, include:
- Feelings of low mood
- Trouble with a healthy sleeping pattern, whether unable to sleep or sleeping too much
- Trouble feeling motivated
- No interest in anything, particularly pastimes you used to enjoy
- Feeling unsociable and withdrawn
- Feeling hopeless
- Trouble concentrating
- Low energy
- Low opinion of one’s self
Signs It’s Become Too Much
It’s important to note that only the individual can decide when it’s become too much. Even if you are experiencing very mild depression, that doesn’t mean it’s any less unbearable for you than someone suffering with extreme depression. You can seek help for overcoming depression at any time, when you decide that you would like to.
It may have become considerably too much when depression is affecting your lifestyle, your career and your relationships: for example, if depression is leaving you unable to get out of bed, and therefore missing work or school, or else seeing you withdrawing from people you care about.
Types of Depression
Mild Depression
This will entail the above symptoms, but may only occur occasionally, or not substantially enough, to greatly affect your overall routine or lifestyle. You may still be able to act normally and keep your feelings inside.
Moderate Depression
As above, but on a more severe level. This may sometimes affect your lifestyle and routine, and stop you from doing certain things.
Major Depression
This form of depression may be greatly affecting your everyday routine. It may stop you from going to work, getting dressed or even getting out of bed. You may be feeling severely low every minute of the day, and unable to do anything.
Seasonal Depression
This form of depression means that your mood is greatly affected by the seasons, and it’s most associated with winter months. With lack of natural light, shorter days and colder temperatures, you may be feeling more sad, withdrawn and tired.
Bipolar Disorder
This relates to manic mood changes, whereby one minute you may be feeling severely low, and another you may be feeling extremely elated. Periods of low mood adhere to the normal depression symptoms, and periods of high mood may include high amounts of energy and racing thoughts.
Knowing You’re Not Alone
No matter your own experience with depression, you never have to feel as though you are struggling alone. Depression can often feel like too much when you feel as though you are alone trying to help yourself and battle with it.
This is why a support system is so important, both from loved ones and from professional health services.