Depression is a common mental health disorder that arises as a result of environmental or physiological changes. If a person feels physically and emotionally worthless and is in low spirits, this is a state of depression.
Sometimes depression appears suddenly without a reason. At other times it starts after a stressful life event. Once it begins, it can last a very long time (even a lifetime), or it can be short-lived and recur frequently.
You do not need to have all the symptoms at the same time to know that you are depressed. If you have several of these complaints, it is advisable to see a doctor. One of the most commonly observed signs is disturbed sleep and appetite. A sleep disturbance is not a disease in itself but a sign that points to other conditions.
Other signs:
- sleep disturbance
- hopelessness about the future
- loss of appetite or, conversely, overeating
- losing heart for work and being unable to get anything done
- difficulty making decisions, memory and attention problems
- low energy, a feeling of tiredness and irritability
- being unable to enjoy work and activities that you used to enjoy
- withdrawing from other people, wanting to be alone and shutting yourself off
- believing without reason that you have problems at work, at school, or with family and friends
- feeling sad, worthless, hopeless and helpless, with a sense of emptiness inside
- self-harm, making suicide plans, suicide attempts or thinking about your own funeral
- persistent pain in different parts of the body, such as headache, neck or back pain with no identifiable cause
- drinking alcohol, smoking, etc. more than usual recently, or feeling the need to take sedatives
Urgent help: If you have thoughts of harming yourself or of suicide, or if you notice such signs in someone close to you, do not wait — call 103 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not stay alone; talk to someone you trust. Discussing such thoughts openly with a doctor is nothing to be ashamed of — it is an important part of treatment; psychiatrists and psychotherapists are also involved in treating depression.