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Introduction:
Major depressive disorder, more commonly known as ‘Depression’, is a psychological disorder that results in an excess of negative emotions in individuals. As opposed to a general feeling of sadness, depression is a persistent mental state whereby people feel hopeless, restless, and empty. This condition needs to be treated clinically. For people seeking help for depression, it would be helpful to visit a psychiatrist at a trusted hospital like Evercare Hospital Lahore.
While depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world, it is treatable. However, it is helpful to identify depression in its initial stages in order to seek treatment and to prevent it from leading to other, more serious mental health issues.
Listed below are 7 most common, initial signs displayed by most individuals suffering from depression:
- Hopelessness:
People suffering through depressive generally have a very hopeless outlook towards life. They start believing that they are stuck in a situation that is not escapable and hence, feel helpless and hopeless.
- Changes in appetite and weight:
Depression often results in a drastic increase or reduction in appetite. Depending on how it affects individuals, it leads to weigh gain or loss.
- Loss of Interest in generally enjoyable activities:
Depressed people tend to loss interest in everyday activities which they normally find enjoyable. Hobbies and tasks that used to give them joy now seem to be a great deal of effort. Patients feel as though they simply do not have the strength to indulge in those activities.
- Changes in sleep patterns:
Depression results in irregular sleep patterns. It can lead to overwhelming feels of tiredness and fatigue, leading to oversleeping. Conversely, it can also result in a complete loss of sleep for extended periods, leading to insomnia.
- Irritability:
Depression results in short-temperedness and causes people to be edgy. Patients of depression become easily agitated and become angry over minor matters. In addition, people often suffer from frequent mood swings.
- Self-hate and suicidal thoughts:
Depression causes people to become over critical of themselves. This results in the feelings of worthlessness and instills suicidal thoughts. People become extremely uncomfortable with themselves to the point of self-hate. They start believing that since they are worthless and a mere burden on other people, the only option they have is to end their lives.
- Concentration problems and weakness of memory:
Patients of depression have difficulty focusing on everyday tasks. Their concentration spans decrease and it becomes difficult for them to focus on work, academics, and even simple, everyday chores. Additionally, it becomes difficult for them to make simple decisions. Moreover, depression results in forgetfulness and weakens the memory of patients.
Way forward:
Whilst there are a number of other symptoms of depression including body aches, cramps, feeling anxious, the above mentioned 7 are some of the most frequently observed early signs in patients of depression. Despite the high prevalence of depression worldwide, it is often not given due attention. It is important that early signs of the disorder are identified in order to benefit fully from treatment.
If people observe these signs in those around them, they should encourage them to seek medical help. If one notices such behavior within themselves, they must visit a therapist at a reliable hospital such as Ittefaq Hospital Lahore, as soon as possible. Acceptance of the problem is an important step towards the cure of depression following which professional help must be sought. Psychiatrists and psychologists help gauge the stage of depression a person may be suffering from and prescribe treatment accordingly. Treatment may include the use of medication known as antidepressants, therapy, or a combination of both.
Timely treatment of depressing can help reduce suicide rates and prevent more serious psychological problems.
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