top 10 signs of depression

TOP 10 SIGNS OF DEPRESSIONDepression affects 14.8 million adults, 1 in 33 children and 1 in 8 adolescents according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. It can affect people regardless of age, gender and race, making it a very serious mental illness. With that said, let's review the top 10 signs of depression.

1. PERSISTENT FEELINGS OF SADNESS

Feeling persistently sad, anxious or 'empty' can be a warning sign that indicates depression. It can be brought on by experiencing a traumatic, stressful life event like losing a loved one, going through financial troubles or even losing a job.

2. LACK OF ENERGY OR FATIGUED

Everyone can feel fatigued from time to time, however, if fatigue and a general lack of energy lingers, it could be a sign of depression.

3. INSOMNIA

According to analytical psychologist and therapist Stuart MacFarlane, insomnia is a tail telling sign of depression. Sleep patterns can vary from one person to the next, but if sleep patterns have changed and insomnia is becoming a problem, it can be associated with depression.

4. SLEEPING TOO MUCH

Another sign of depression is sleeping too much. Depression symptoms can vary from person to person, which means someone can sleep too much. They may not have the drive or motivation to get out of bed and would rather sleep as much as possible as a coping mechanism.

5. APPETITE CHANGE

If someone with depression has a change in their eating habits, it's a sign they are feeling depressed. Whether they dramatically lose a lot of weight from not eating, or they over eat, it could be a sign of a depressive episode.

6. CHRONIC ACHES & PAIN

Depression can manifest itself in many different ways, including physical aspects like chronic aches and pain. In some cases, individuals will report vague pains and aches in various parts of their body that don't seem to go away.

7. CAN’T CONCENTRATE

Many people can have concentration problems from time to time, but a depressed person has difficult time concentrating for a long period of time. Sometimes the cognitive impairment like this is called pseudodementia.

8. SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL

Depressed individuals will socially withdrawal themselves from group outings and they tend to shy away from social interactions.

9. IRRITABILITY

Everyone can become irritated sometimes, however, persistent irritability is a sign of a depressive episode.

10. LACK OF INTEREST

Someone with depression will begin to lose interest in things they once enjoyed like hobbies, sports and other activities.

If you or someone you know display these signs and symptoms, you should seek psychological treatment to overcome depression.