11 Oct Early signs of depression
It’s important to know what the early signs of depression are, so you can seek help sooner, which in turn can help you re-engage in a more meaningful life. Often a by-product of a more meaningful life is a decrease in depression symptomatology.
In short, the early signs of depression are symptoms of depression, but less marked in severity or frequency. Early signs of depression can include:
- Depressed mood some of the time, such as feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness. In children and adolescents, this can come across as irritability
- Diminished interest or pleasure in activities
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping a lot) most days
- Behavioural restlessness or slowing down
- Fatigue or loss of energy most days
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt most days
- Diminished ability to think, concentrate or decide most days
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts
Alcohol and non-prescribed drug use is by itself not a symptom of depression. However, people often increase their alcohol or drug use in an attempt to cope with signs of depression. Alcohol and drug use might help provide a temporary reprieve from the symptoms in the short-term by pushing them down, but can cause problems in the long-run. If you find yourself using alcohol or drugs more than you ordinarily would, it may be a sign that you are trying to avoid the early signs of depression.
If you find that you or someone you care about might have early signs of depression, the team at Prosper Health Collective are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
