The Fortnight Chase – Symptoms of depression

The whole world is talking about depression and different ways to cure it. But are we sure what is this term – Depression? At every other event, we hear about various ways to cure depression and tips to prevent it. But, how does this depression is affecting us? Or are we also a victim of depression? Let’s know more about the symptoms of depression. But before that what is depression?

The term depression

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how we feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

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Symptoms of depression

Some of the common symptoms that show we may be depressed are

• Shopping spree

This happens many times with me also. When I am not feeling good or angry at somebody, I shop and I feel good. But of late, I have refrained from this habit because it is impulsive buying. I buy just for the sake of it. For the simple reason that it will make me feel good. But in reality, it costs heavy on my pocket and not everything bought is useful to me.

• Forgetfulness

Depression may be one reason for feeling foggy or forgetful. This can shrink or weaken the part of the brain associated with memory and learning. Depression-linked memory loss seems to be worse for older people. But the good news is that treating depression may also improve depression-related memory problems.

• Eating obsessively

This can also be seen many times in people around us. When we are sad, we don’t realise what we eat. We just want to binge on and be away from mindful eating that we actually follow.

• Back Pain

One study showed that up to 42% of people with chronic lower back pain experienced depression before their back pain started. Yet depression can often go ignored or undiagnosed because people don’t associate it with aches and pains.

• Exaggerated emotions

Some are caught up in a sense of worthlessness or a feeling of excessive or inappropriate guilt. The key is a sudden change in behaviour. If a person who is usually flat with their feelings becomes hyperemotional, depression may be the cause.

• Not taking care of ourselves

Suddenly neglecting basic self-care can be a sign of depression and low self-esteem. The signs may be as small as not buckling up or brushing your teeth or as big as skipping physical exams or not tending to chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Different people may sense different symptoms of depression in them. But the most important thing is to check yourself with unusual feeling from within. We all feel depressed sometimes but we need to uplift ourselves. This term depression should not take over us but we should fight it back.

I am taking part in fortnight-long blogging challenge – BarAThon 2018

I am writing on the theme – Chase to Mental health