Depression is a disorder of mood characterized in part by sadness, loss of pleasure, lack of energy and lack of motivation. At any given time, approximately 9.4 million Americans are afflicted with depression. It can be debilitating, but there is treatment. The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome as far as impact on daily living. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of early signs of this illness of mood.
Sadness
One of the first signs of depression is sadness. Sadness is a normal emotion and results from situations that arise in our lives. However, if this sadness is pervasive and does not lift with time, it may be a sign of depression.
Loss of Interest and Fatigue
If you have suddenly lost interest in things that used to bring you pleasure and if you feel fatigued much of the time, this can be a symptom of depression.
Hopelessness, Helplessness and Irritability
Some individuals feel a sense of hopelessness or helplessness. They don't believe that there is anything they or anyone else can do to make anything better. Others are simply irritated all the time and don't know why. These feelings, if constant and continual, can signify depression.
Sleep Disturbance and Appetite
One of the first areas depression affects is sleep. If you are consistently waking up early in the morning or sleeping much more or less than normal you may be struggling with depression. Depression also affects appetite. If you are suddenly not eating or eating much more than normal, this can be a symptom of the disorder.
Warning
These symptoms can be caused by other health issues, also, including hormonal imbalances and vitamin or iron deficiencies. It is important to see a medical provider whom you trust and rule out any other issues.
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