There are certain wounds that you can't see on the outside but can hurt deeper than any visible injury. Depression is a silent threat, claiming lives without warning or mercy. Sadly, it's one of the most common and serious mental health issues people face today. Research indicates that depression often intertwines with other psychological conditions, exacerbating its impact on individuals' lives and increasing the risk of suicidal ideation [1]. Let's dive into some essential information about the typical signs of depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that impacts how you feel, think, and behave. It can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues, making it hard to function normally. Here are five key signs that might indicate you're dealing with depression.
1) Persistent Low Mood and Loss of Interest
Depression tends to cast a shadow over everything, affecting your feelings, thoughts, and actions. A significant drop in mood and a lack of interest in things you once enjoyed are telling signs of depression. You might find yourself feeling hopeless, worthless, or preoccupied with past failures, interpreting even minor mistakes as evidence of your inadequacy. Notably, studies have shown that poor sleep quality can exacerbate these feelings and contribute to suicidal ideation, particularly among young adults [1].
2) Uncontrollable Emotions
Emotions can shift dramatically from one moment to the next. For instance, you might go from feeling happy to suddenly crying. Depression can cause these unpredictable mood swings, leading to fluctuations between feelings of joy and deep anger or irritability. Such emotional instability is often linked to the underlying stressors that accompany depressive episodes [4].
3) Recurring Suicidal Thoughts
Having recurring thoughts about death or suicide can be a significant red flag. Research shows that many individuals who have died by suicide exhibited signs of depression beforehand. In fact, sleep disturbances, which are prevalent in individuals with depression, have been identified as a potential biomarker for suicidal behavior [3]. Therefore, it's crucial to seek help if you find yourself having such thoughts.
4) Sleep Disturbances
Roughly 90% of individuals with depression struggle with sleep issues. Some may find it hard to sleep, while others might sleep excessively. For some, sleepless nights are common, while younger individuals might end up sleeping far too much. Research highlights that inadequate sleep not only correlates with depression but also predicts next-day suicidal ideation, emphasizing the need for effective sleep management [5].
5) Changes in Appetite
Changes in appetite are quite common among those with depression, but it varies from person to person. Some might experience an increased appetite, while others may lose their desire to eat. Fluctuations in appetite and weight are often linked to depression, manifesting as either weight gain or loss depending on the individual’s emotional state [2].
Dealing with depression is challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone. If you feel your mental health is wavering, reaching out for help from a psychiatrist online is a great step forward.
References:
- Huifang Zhang, Lvfeng Zhang, Hongwei Zhang, Hua Guo. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Mediate the Relationship Between Poor Sleep Quality and Suicidal Ideation Among Young Chinese Men.. PubMed. 2024.
- Yujin Ko, Jieun Moon, Sangsoo Han. Sleep Duration Is Closely Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt in Korean Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.. PubMed. 2021.
- Alejandro Porras-Segovia, María M Pérez-Rodríguez, Pilar López-Esteban, Philippe Courtet, María L Barrigón M, Jorge López-Castromán, Jorge A Cervilla, Enrique Baca-García. Contribution of sleep deprivation to suicidal behaviour: A systematic review.. PubMed. 2019.
- Donna L Littlewood, Patricia Gooding, Simon D Kyle, Daniel Pratt, Sarah Peters. Understanding the role of sleep in suicide risk: qualitative interview study.. PubMed. 2016.
- Donna L Littlewood, Simon D Kyle, Lesley-Anne Carter, Sarah Peters, Daniel Pratt, Patricia Gooding. Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality predict next-day suicidal ideation: an ecological momentary assessment study.. PubMed. 2019.