Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. This mental health condition can affect all aspects of life, from work and relationships to physical health. Recognizing the early signs of depression is important as it allows individuals to seek help before the condition worsens.
Depression can affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders. It manifests through severe symptoms that affect the person’s way of thinking, feeling, and handling regular day-to-day activities such as sleeping, eating, and even working.
However, this disorder is more commonly diagnosed among women than men as men are less likely to recognize and seek help about their feelings or problems. Multiple studies also show high rates of depression among members of LGBTQ+ community.
What are the Early Signs of Depression?
Early signs of depression often are evident in both emotional and physical ways. These symptoms usually start small and grow gradually, making them easy to miss. Knowing the early signs of depression is the first step in taking action towards the treatment of this disorder.
Persistent Sadness or Low Mood
One of the early signs is the consistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or feeling empty for extended periods. These feelings may seem different to what’s happening in your life, lasting for days or even longer periods without any definite cause.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities
When depression stats to kick in, activities and hobbies that once brought happiness no longer feel enjoyable. This loss of interest in hobbies, work, and loved ones, also called “anhedonia”, is a major red flag that depression is now developing.
Difficulty Sleeping
Changes in sleep patterns are another typical early sign of depression. You may find it difficult to fall or stay asleep (insomnia), or you might be sleeping far more than usual (hypersomnia), and yet still feel tired. Neither extreme sleeping pattern is healthy, nor can both worsen depression over time.
Fatigue or Lack of Energy
Constant lack of motivation or tiredness can be overwhelming. Every day, activities might feel exhausting, even when they require minimal effort. This overwhelming fatigue often doesn’t go away even with adequate rest.
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Depression impacts cognitive function, making it too hard to focus, remember things, or make decisions. Whether it’s keeping up with work or making daily choices, this brain fog can feel like a constant mental barrier.
Feelings of Guilt, Helplessness, or Worthlessness
Those experiencing depression often develop unwarranted feelings of guilt or worthlessness. They may feel overly critical of themselves or blame themselves for the things beyond their control, reinforcing the cycle of depression.
Unplanned Weight Changes or Changes in Appetite
Depression can lead to changes in appetite, resulting in significant weight gain or loss. Some people may lose their appetite, while others turn to food for comfort, leading to excessive and unhealthy eating habits.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide or Suicide Attempts
Those who die by suicide usually show symptoms of depression or mental health issues first. Often people will talk about it or make a first attempt before succeeding in ending their lives.
Importance of Early Intervention
Recognizing early signs of depression is important for preventing it from becoming more severe. Depression doesn’t go away on its own and can worsen if left untreated. When symptoms persist, they can lead to more serious issues, such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and even suicidal thoughts. Taking early actions can avoid many of the negative consequences that accompany untreated depression.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to (916) 848-5744 In case of emergencies, always dial 911.
When to Seek Help
Depression affects millions of people but there are tons of treatment options available. If someone you care about or if you experience any of these signs, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.
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- Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. If you notice even mild signs of depression, reach out to a healthcare provider or a mental health treatment center. Depression is easier to manage when caught early.
- Consider professional mental health screenings. Screenings are a simple and confidential way to identify whether you or a loved one may be experiencing depression or another mental health condition.
- Take advantage of accessible care. For those who find it difficult to continue treatment in person, there are telehealth services allowing you to connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home.
Take Action for Your Mental Health Today
If you’ve been experiencing the early signs of depression, don’t wait for things to get worse. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and help you get back to feeling like yourself. Whether you’re looking for a mental health screening, therapy, or simply consultation, California Recovery Center (CRC) is here to support you.
Contact us today to schedule a free mental health screening or learn more about our mental health telehealth services.