What Are The Symptoms Of Depression And What It Is To Live With It According To People Who Are Affected
Depression is a mood disorder that involves negative changes in the way you feel, think, and in sleeping, eating, or working habits. Being diagnosed with it is possible when the symptoms have been present for 2 weeks.
It also involves mood swings that could vary from positive or pleasant emotions such as contentment and intense joy to persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” moods or feeling of hopelessness and pessimism. A Loss of interest in some of the sufferer’s favorite activities could also be a symptom. On top of that, individuals who are affected by this condition usually feel emotional pain much more severely and have difficulties dealing with their mood swings.
It is also important to specify that different patients manifest different symptoms.
Below you can read the stories of 10 people officially diagnosed with the condition.
They opened up about their firsthand experience of this disorder and explained what it is to live with it.
1. I don’t like seeing others
– It all began a few years ago – I started feeling sad for no obvious reason. Since then I have constantly been experiencing rapid mood swings. What’s more, I am hardly in a mood for meeting friends or going to social events. I only go to work but this is also exhausting and emotionally draining for me.
Terry, 32, NY
2. I’m not happy
– It turns out that because of depression I can’t find happiness in anything and feel upset most of the time. I was once a keen fan of Dodgers and never missed a game. Now I can’t even remember when was the last time I watched them play.
Jason, 45, LA
3. I almost stopped eating
– I had a huge appetite and then just almost stopped eating. The food even started tasting differently. Initially, I thought it was some disease of my stomach and the bacteria that live in it. So, I was shocked when the doctors said it’s a side effect of depression.
Nina, 29, Chicago
4. I sleep more
–The doctor who diagnosed me with depression explained that a change in sleeping habits is a common symptom of this mental condition. I sleep more, but no matter how long I’ve slept I still feel tired.
Elizabeth, 47, LA
5. I get easily irritated
– Those who suffer from depression are irritated very easily and I am no exception. I get very angry or upset because of totally insignificant stuff.
Donna, 30, Santa Fe
6. My self-esteem is low
– I am always putting myself down even for things that are not my fault. I tend to overthink problems and situations because I think it’s my fault.
Chris, 29, New Orleans
7. Extremely negative
– I feel blue for no reason very often. Since I started suffering from depression I catch myself thinking pessimistically about almost everything.
Nathalie, 50, Tornotno, ON
8. I can’t stay focused
– I can’t concentrate for more than 10 minutes. My doctor said it might be because of depression. I make many mistakes while I am working and I’m behind with my work. I’m worried that sooner or later I’ll end up losing my job due to depression and lack of concentration.
Beth, 37, Chicago
9. It could come back
I thought I had beaten depression but then I lost a very special person and it started again. This time it was that bad that there were days I wasn’t even in the mood to get out of bed.
Sydney, 38, LA
10. I get little understanding
Although we live in 21st century there are prejudices related to mental problems and talking freely about these problems. I don’t really get understanding from a lot of people. Most of my colleagues would think I’m just being lazy if I tell them I don’t feel like doing anything because I suffer from a mood disorder.
Jenna, 50, LA
And these are just a few out of millions who live with this condition. On top of that, an enormous part of the affected isn’t officially diagnosed and isn’t being treated.
Who can diagnose depression?
Doctors can diagnose possible depression. However, NIMH, informs – irritability, permanently being sad or anxious could be a sign of it. If someone is having these or other symptoms more than 2 weeks, they’d better see a specialist. Here’s a link to a list of symptoms provided by NIMH:
If you think you’ve had any of them for more than 14 days you should seek professional help. Fortunately, today even the most serious cases can be treated – the sooner you start, the better.
Also, living healthily is as important as getting professional help. Exercise or take up a sport. That could have a positive influence not only your physical but on your emotional wellbeing too. Meet with friends and talk with them about you problem and you’ll feel much better.
Have you ever suffered from depression, do you know anyone who has?
Please tell us in the comments.
