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Am I Depressed? A Guide to Mental Health

Every person’s life is marked by an abundance of ups and downs, which means that everyone can get “the blues” of feel like his or her life has no purpose or meaning. These are all normal feelings and episodes that can strike from time to time. However, if the sensation of despair and emptiness takes a perpetual form, meaning that you cannot find a single thing that will provoke a sensation of happiness, then there is a great chance that you suffer from a depression. Depression is a serious mental condition that makes it very hard for you to function normally and enjoy life like you have before. There are days when you feel like the depressed state overwhelms you and you find it hard to get out of bed. Still, no matter how utterly hopeless you may be feeling, you should know that there are many ways and methods which you can use in order to get better. The first step that needs to be taken on the path of overcoming the problem is to get familiar with the symptoms, the signs, the causes, and the different treatment options for depression.

Looking at the different faces of depression

Downswings in moods and sadness are normal reactions to the disappointments and the setbacks that life throws at us. When people are being utterly disappointed, they often struggle to find words for the state they are in, so they mistakenly use the term depression. One must understand that depression is a much more serious condition than sadness; it is a state in which the person feels like is living in a continuous and never-ending black hole. The same person feels helplessness, as if he or she is all alone on this world.

Symptoms and signs of depression

The depression is a mental condition that varies from one individual to another; nevertheless, there are some common symptoms and signs that can be identified in the vast majority of individuals diagnosed with depression. Before we list these common signs, it is very important that we emphasize the fact that some of these signs can fall under the category of normal feelings, associated with the aforementioned life’s lows. In addition, it is also crucial to state that the depressed person rarely experiences only one of these signs. They often display two or more of these next signs and symptoms of this mental illness:

• Sensation of utter hopelessness and helplessness;
• Loss of daily routine and interest in the favourite activities;
• Changes in the appetite;
• Abnormal sleep deviations (insomnia or hypersomnia);
• Energy loss;
• Abrupt episodes of anger;
• Strong feelings of self-loathing;
• Problems with concentration and focus;
• Reckless conduct (engaging in escapist mode of behaviour like abuse of illegal substances, reckless driving, gambling, etc.);
• Perpetual complains about unexplained physical pains

When is the right time to ask for help?

Many people that have mild forms of depression feel like asking for help is synonymous with weakness, and they shy away from taking this step. This often is the case in men. However, the moment you realize you are falling down the rabbit hole of emotions, is the very moment you should reach out for help. There are various forms of depression and various ways in which this state can be overcome. With the right guidance of a trained professional, the support of your loved ones and with a significant change of your lifestyle, you can find your zeal for life once again.

Marina Ljubisavljevic

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