10 Symptoms to identify depression

India is topping the charts in so many world ratings but currently one rating which drew my attention was the world depression list. India is topping the chart by margin and this is one thing we should not be proud about. Especially when the reports says that more than 15% Indian adults need active intervention for one or more mental health issues and one in 20 Indians suffers from depression.

Now these numbers might look exaggerated but the truth is we all know someone who is somehow dealing with some kind of tough situation and battling depression on our own without even realizing that it is a serious issue. Most probably the reason of being unaware of our situation is that in India, mental illness or talking about mental illness is a taboo. We are from the land of genius minds then how can we accept that our youth is suffering from a situation that does not allow them to even think straight, let alone grow genius ideas.

We need to talk about it and start healing those who needs it the most. But how will we get to know if the person next to us is depressed or not? So here are few point on how you can identify the symptoms of depression in someone.

Any kind of illness effects our diet or eating habit so it could be tricky to understand this sign however if you notice that the person is not even eating their most favorite dishes, then there has to be a deeper sign than just being ill or moody.

2.Changes in sleep habits

A healthy mind needs a healthy sleep pattern. Sleep can directly affect our brain and cause many types of damages. Insufficient sleep is both the reason as well as the result of depression.

3. Fatigue

Basically when a person is not in their best mental condition than they find even the most basic, mundane routine to be the most hard part of their entire day. It has been noticed that a person suffering from depression doesn’t even like or want to get out of bed, take baths, comb their hair. It all may sound dramatic but it is the most common symptom of depression.

4. Alcohol or drug usage

People suffering from depression often take the help of alcohol or drugs to simply deal with their situation. It works as a distraction from the thoughts and feelings that emerge due to the depression

5. Forced happiness

A very commonly known phrase says, ‘sad people laugh harder’ and it is true in most of the cases. People suffering from depression tend to put up a brave front and hence try to show fake laughter or fake happiness.

6. Pessimistic approach

It is obvious that when you are suffering from depression you are less usual to feel optimism however this also results in being harshly realistic or also known as ‘depressive realism’. They could be very skeptical about their actions or future.

7. Loss of concentration

No, it doesn’t mean that most of the kids are depressed. But if a person finds it hard to keep up a conversation of goes blank during a social event, could be one of the symptom. Being forgetful or lost in thoughts could be some of the signs.

8. Disinterest in hobbies

Again a very common and easy to track symptom is having no interest in any hobbies. There is a difference in not having a hobby and not having interest in hobbies. If you like music but you still have not played a single song in many weeks then it is a sign.

9. Physical pains and health disorder

It is said to be that our mind controls our entire body so it is quite possible to have physical effect on body of depression. People often complaint of backache, chronic body pain, digestive issues and headache.

10. Being irritable or angry

Anger and irritation is not always a sign of depression but being regularly angry or irritated can definitely lead to it as people start ignoring your mood swings which eventually makes one feel rejected and lonely.

These symptoms may reflect regularly or in some case may occur after certain intervals. Being around with someone dealing with depression is even a greater task however we need to remember that the only cure to depression is love and care, of course with a little help of medical science and therapy. But it is most important to stand with the people who are going through this phase and pull them out of it with care.

I wish each one of you a healthy mind and soul. Take care and be happy.

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