Know your symptom of depression

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptom. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life's normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are. Signs and symptoms of depression include:

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness: A bleak outlook — nothing will ever get better and there is nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities: You don't care anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, social activities or even sex. You have lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Appetite or weight changes: Significant weight loss or weight gain — a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes: Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning or oversleeping.

Anger or irritability: Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short and everyone gets on your nerves.

Loss of energy: Feeling fatigued, sluggish and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

Self-loathing: Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Reckless behaviour: You engage in escapist behaviour such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving or dangerous sports.

Concentration problems: Trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things.

Unexplained aches and pains: An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles and stomach pain.

If symptoms of depression are causing difficulties with relationships or work issues or causing family disputes and there is no clear solution to these problems, then you should seek help.