Family | Life | Food | Travel

17 April 2012

Depression - Spot the signs


We all experience tough times and bad patches during life but when you are really struggling there may be more to it than you think. Depression is a bit of a taboo subject with many people being scared to come forward and speak with family, friends and doctors in fear that their children will be taken away or that they will be judged. This is rarely the case though, depression is actually fairly common and you shouldn't feel the need to suffer in silence.

If it's gone beyond the point of being just a miserable period or sad spell and you don't seem able laugh or smile as often (if at all) you may need a helping hand. Don't be ashamed, support is available.

With increasing numbers suffering it's important to be able to spot the signs so you can tell if loved ones need help and support or identify if you have depression yourself.

The signs
There are many symptoms of depression and if you feel as though you are suffering or if you think someone you know is it's best to see your GP or speak to them about it as soon as you can. Keeping your feelings locked up won't help or make things better and often people need someone to point it out to them as they may be trying to cope and hoping someone will hear their cry.

Symptoms are split into 3 categories; Social, Physical and Psychological. Spotting the signs and realising you or someone else has several of the symptoms is the first step. Some will live in denial but the sooner you spot that you are suffering the sooner you can help to create your path to recovery and work on improving your life. You are not alone and there is help out there for you!

Social Symptoms
  • Taking part in fewer activities or hobbies.
  • Avoiding friends and family.
  • Lack of interest in work/interacting with colleagues.
Physical Symptoms
  • Changes in sleep patterns eg finding it hard to fall asleep and waking more frequently
  • Lethargic or wanting to do things slower including speaking
  • Change in appetitie with increased or reduced eating and weigh gain or loss
  • Changes in monthly cycle
  • Lose of interest in sex or affection
  • Lack of energy
  • Constipation
  • Aches and pains
Psychological Symptoms
  • Tearful
  • Sadness and low mood
  • Put yourself down more/low self esteem
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Finding others irritate you and becoming intolerant
  • Lack of interest
  • Finding it hard to be happy or enjoy things
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty in decision making
  • Feelings of hoplessness
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or others
If you have been feeling down and you are suffering from several of the above symptoms try to speak about it. It can be really hard though so if not in person a text, email or letter may be useful to you. A problem shared really is a problem halved.

Your family, friends and gp are all there to help you, you just need to let them.

 

Have you suffered from depression? How did you feel about getting help?

What tips do you have on getting help and moving forward?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

    Share:

    1 comment

    1. Interesting post, one of those things I never recognise until its too late! xxxx

      http://honeysmummy.blogspot.co.uk

      ReplyDelete

    Thanks for taking the time to stop by. We love to hear your thoughts - feel free to pop a comment in the box!

    Blogger Template Created by pipdig