Common Signs of Depression in Men and Women

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions today. It affects millions of people across America and can be devastating to both the sufferer and those around them.

An estimated 6.7% of adults (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2015) suffer from depressive symptoms and it is particularly prevalent in those between the ages of 18-25.

“I’m so depressed” has become a very common phrase, and is thrown around TV and entertainment, often without any qualification or awareness of what it really means. Indeed, we are often quick to say we feel depressed without carefully assessing our symptoms.

Depression is very different from simply “feeling a bit down.” Feeling a bit low in mood is common for most of us, particularly if something bad has happened to you. Clinical depression is much more severe and can sometimes be difficult to quantify.

Depression can be unique to the individual and may manifest in many different forms. For some, it is a disorder that has a biological root and though it may follow them around for years it can remain at a manageable level. Others may experience a sudden onset of a severe depression, which is often referred to as a “depressive episode.”

Due to the many nuances found within this mental health condition, it can be difficult to boil down to a few exact symptoms and signs of depression. However, it is important to know some of the key elements of depression in order to understand your condition and to seek appropriate help.

Common Signs of Depression

Here are some of the more common signs of depression:

Emotional Changes

If you are becoming depressed, you may notice some changes in your emotions. Your mood may begin to fluctuate – you might start to get irritable or angry on a regular basis.

You may begin to feel inexplicably hopeless, or experience a sudden increase in anxiety over death and dying. You may find yourself crying uncontrollably and without any warning.

You may even feel as if you are completely worthless and that those around you would be better off if you weren’t there. These are all very frightening feelings and must be addressed by a medical professional immediately.

Loss Of Interest

It is very common for those suffering from depression to experience a major loss of interest in the things that they would normally enjoy. You may find yourself demotivated and lacking vision and drive for your work, relationships, or hobbies.

The things that used to excite you may no longer enliven your senses. You may struggle to concentrate and may find it difficult to keep your surroundings tidy and hygienic.

You may find yourself going out less and withdrawing alone into your room. Basic trips to get to get groceries may feel as if you are being asked to climb a mountain and may become too much to cope with.

Your relationships may become strained and difficult. Your libido may also decrease dramatically. You may feel as if you are a burden to those around you;  this might cause you to feel even worse, and could even spark suicidal thoughts.

You may notice yourself saying or thinking:

“I just can’t deal with going out right now.”

“I just don’t feel excited about anything anymore.”

“I don’t see the point in working hard at anything.”

Weight Changes

Depression can cause a drastic change in appetite and can affect your weight dramatically. When depressed, some people “binge eat” as a comfort, putting on weight very quickly.

Others do not feel like eating anything and can lose a huge amount of weight through a period of severe depression. So, it is common for someone suffering from depression to struggle with maintaining a healthy weight.

You might notice yourself saying:

“I just haven’t felt like eating much for a while.”

“When I feel down, eating seems to make me feel better. It takes my mind off things.”

“My weight is so dependent on how I feel.”

Sleep Changes

It is common for someone suffering from depression to experience their sleep patterns altering. A depressed person may struggle to get good sleep. They may wake up several times in the night and find it difficult to drop off again.

Alternatively, other sufferers may feel constantly tired, as if they could fall asleep at any point in the day. This lack of energy may be combined with a decreased motivation to work or spend time with others. You may feel extremely tired but be unable to gain any restful sleep. This can add to the frustrations of dealing with depression.

Things you might notice yourself saying:

“I sleep for so long but I always wake up tired!”

“I keep waking up during the night and I don’t really know why.”

“I’m absolutely exhausted but I just can’t get to sleep, it is really getting to me.”

Physical Changes

Depression may affect your health in various ways. You may notice a decrease in your general wellness, and a tendency to get sick more often. Those with depression often find themselves experiencing aches and pains, stomach issues, headaches, and fatigue.

Your cognitive ability may also be impaired, and you may struggle to process information as you normally would. You may find that you think and speak at a slower pace, and it can be difficult to engage in any quick and instructive conversation. You may even struggle with your memory.

Things you might notice yourself saying:

“I just feel achy everywhere and have no energy.”

“I feel like I have had a constant headache for as long as I can remember.”

“I am struggling to work at the pace I used to.”

“My stomach is so sore – how can I do anything when I’m feeling like this?!”

Christian Counseling Can Help

Depression is a very common mental health condition and millions get treated for it every year. With professional help, you can be assisted in developing the tools required to manage your depression on a day-to-day basis in order to live a more fulfilling life.

With the right combination of Christian therapy and appropriate medication, you may even see your depression lift completely. God always desires for us to live in freedom, and a counselor will help you move forward into a hopeful future and a happier, more joy-filled life.