For just about everyone, life is a mixture of highs and lows. The highs feel good because we’ve experienced hard times and because we know things can always get better. Most people persevere through the hard times because they are confident that good times are just around the corner. Such is the ebb and flow of life. But for people with depression, the highs or good times never seem to come and they become stuck in a downward spiral of negative feelings and lethargy while being weighed down by a lack of self-worth. Everyone gets upset or down at times, but when is it something more? When is it clinical depression?
Signs of Clinical Depression
Depressed mood
People who suffer from depression experience an overwhelming sense of melancholy. Many times, this feeling seems to come from nowhere, for no apparent reason and leaves the person feeling empty and tortured. People with depression tend to cry often and feel emotionally disconnected from reality and the people they love.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
A depressed person may feel that they have no value or they may feel inappropriately guilty about things which they have no control. People with depression often unnecessarily criticize themselves for their mistakes or blame themselves unnecessarily.
Lack of Ability to Experience Pleasure
People who suffer from depression often get no joy out of activities or pursuits they previously found to be pleasurable. Whether it’s games, hobbies, sports, creative endeavors or people, depression can zap the pleasure and meaning out of things the sufferer used to enjoy.
Depression Can Have Physical Symptoms
Depression is commonly seen as an emotional disorder, but there are many physical aspects of depression that aren’t discussed as frequently. People who suffer from clinical depression may experience headaches, muscle pain, chest pains, exhaustion, insomnia, loss of appetite or uncommon weight fluctuation. There are also sexual side effects associated with depression. Many depressed men suffer from a loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. These sexual problems can be caused by biological changes, anti-depressant medications or as part of the emotional toll associated with depression.
Suicidal Thoughts
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, these should be addressed immediately by calling a help line, a doctor or law enforcement. Suicidal thoughts are a serious sign of depression and should be addressed immediately for the sake of the depressed person as well as those around them. A suicidal person can have pervasive preoccupation with death; they may call or visit people to say goodbye; give away prized possessions; and frequently discuss taking their own life.
Depression is a serious and potentially deadly health issue. But, the good news is it can often be helped through psychological therapy and medications. It is very difficult for a depressed person to get out of the fog of hopelessness without help. So if you or someone you know is showing the signs of depression, it’s important to get them help before the situation worsens.
