6 Nîşanên Hişyarî yên Depresiyonê Ku Hûn Neçin Paşê

“I’m depressed” — although many of us have said this, in most cases depression turned out to be a mild blues: as soon as we cry, talk heart to heart or get enough sleep, how it all went away.

Meanwhile, more than a quarter of American adults are diagnosed with true depression: a mental disorder that affects all areas of life. Experts believe that by 2020 the situation will worsen: worldwide, depression will take the second place in the list of causes of disability, right after coronary heart disease.

She covers some with her head: pronounced symptoms make them eventually seek help from a specialist. Others are not even aware of the severity of their condition: the symptoms in which it manifests itself are so elusive.

“Low mood and loss of pleasure are not the only signs of this disease,” explains psychiatrist John Zajeska of Rush University Medical Center. “It is a mistake to think that a person must be sad and cry for any reason – some, on the contrary, feel angry or feel nothing at all.”

“One symptom is not yet a reason to make a diagnosis, but the combination of several symptoms can indicate depression, especially if they do not go away for a long time,” says Holly Schwartz, psychiatrist, professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

1. Changing sleep patterns

You may have been able to sleep all day long before, but now you can’t. Or before, 6 hours of sleep was enough for you, and now there are not enough whole weekends to get enough sleep. Schwartz is sure that such changes can indicate depression: “Sleep is what helps us function normally. A patient with depression during sleep cannot properly rest and recuperate.

“In addition, some experience psychomotor agitation, causing restlessness and an inability to relax,” adds Joseph Calabris, professor of psychiatry and director of the Mood Disorders Program at the University Hospital, Cleveland Medical Center.

In a word, if you experience problems with sleep, this is an occasion to consult a doctor.

2. Confused thoughts

“Clarity and consistency of thinking, the ability to focus is what you should definitely pay attention to,” Zajeska explains. — It happens that it is difficult for a person to keep his attention on a book or a TV show even for half an hour. Forgetfulness, slow thinking, inability to make a decision are red flags.”

3. «Mental chewing gum»

Do you think over certain situations over and over again, scroll through the same thoughts in your head? You seem to be trapped in negative thoughts and are looking at neutral facts in a negative way. This can lead to depression or prolong a depressive episode that has already happened to you.

Research shows that obsessive-compulsive people usually seek support from others, but get less and less each time.

A little reflection will not hurt anyone, but chewing “mental gum” makes you completely concentrate on yourself, constantly returning to the same topic in conversations, which sooner or later bothers friends and relatives. And when they turn away from us, our self-esteem drops, which can lead to a new wave of depression.

4. Sharp fluctuations in weight

Weight fluctuations can be one of the signs of depression. Someone begins to overeat, someone completely loses interest in food: a friend’s favorite dishes cease to bring pleasure. Depression affects the areas of the brain responsible for pleasure and appetite control. Changes in eating habits are often accompanied by fatigue: when we eat less, we get less energy.

5. Lack of emotion

Have you noticed that someone you know, who used to be sociable, passionate about work, spending a lot of time with family and friends, suddenly pulled away from all this? It is possible that this person is depressed. Isolation, refusal of social contacts is one of the most obvious signs of depression. Another symptom is a blunted emotional reaction to what is happening. It is not difficult to notice such changes in a person: facial muscles become less active, facial expressions change.

6. Health problems for no apparent reason

Depression can be the cause of many «unexplained» health problems: headaches, indigestion, back pain. “This kind of pain is very real, patients often go to the doctor with complaints, but they are never diagnosed with depression,” Zajeska explains.

Pain and depression are driven by the same chemicals that travel along specific neural pathways, and ultimately depression can change the brain’s sensitivity to pain. In addition, it, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, can contribute to the development of heart disease.

Bi wê re çi bikin

Did you notice several of the symptoms described above, or all six at once? Don’t delay your visit to the doctor. The good news is that even if you have depression, together you can manage it. She is treated with medications, psychotherapy, but the most effective combination of these two approaches. The main thing you need to know is that you are not alone and should not suffer anymore. Help is nearby.