Depression or Just Sadness? Find Out Now!

What is Depression?

First, remember that sadness and depression are NOT the same thing. Although they are commonly misperceived as such, depression is chronic or long-term. The definition for depression is “a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and apathy with symptoms present for more than two weeks”. According to the DSM-5 criterion (THE BEST BOOK ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS), the following symptoms are characteristic of a person suffering from depression.

1 marked diminished interest in all or almost all activities all day, nearly every day
2 significant weight loss or gain without dieting
3 loss or increased appetite
4 slow cognition or physical movement
5 fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
6 persistent feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
7 diminished concentration
8 recurrent thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideationHowever, depression is complicated. That’s the worst news. Furthermore, it’s messy and it does not look the same in everyone. But, despite its distinctive indicators, here are five signs to watch for that suggest depression.

Disturbed Sleep and Depression

There is a complex association between the number of hours you sleep and your mood. And when I say complex, I mean extremely sophisticated that one cannot find the words to explain it. Yeah, I’m not exaggerating. Despite the many studies investigating the relationship, researchers have not found a reason for it. Moreover, they suggest that disruption in biochemical pathways causes insomnia.

Sleep patterns can also be disrupted by fatigue which can cause over-sleeping. At least 27% of patients with depression reported suffering from insomnia. Despite sleeping sufficient hours, patients reported that their sleep was not soothing. Furthermore, studies show that improved sleeping patterns decrease depressive episodes. Also, a way to improve your sleep is to practice sleep hygiene or set a bedtime alarm.

I’m Not Hungry… or Am I?

Change in appetite is common for those with depression, but this symptom is not shared by all patients. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 48% of depressed adults exhibited a depression-related decrease in appetite and 35% reported a depression-related increase in appetite.

There is no doubt that there is a link between mood and food. I mean, they’re homophones for one thing! Also, food is often used as a way to socialize and your mood can impact your disposition to do so. Sometimes, food can be a way to cope with unresolved emotions. I know I eat when I’m overwhelmed or anxious. So, the next time you stuff your hands in grub, make sure you’re not disturbing your eating pattern.

She Can’t Decide

Depression has an astounding effect on your cognition. It makes it harder for you to focus and make decisions. For those with severe depression, antidepressants may help but it usually doesn’t. So much for medicine being the cure of all diseases. Anyway, studies have shown that under normal circumstances, our decision-making is based on a computational value of high utility.

However, in a depressed state, strong emotions and incorrect predictions about the future disrupt our decision-making process. Emotions like hopelessness (which is omnipresent when you’re depressed) effect increase aversion to risk, make us more cautious and increase anticipatory regret making us passive decision-makers. Additionally, since you are more pessimistic in a depressed state, every decision feels riskier.

Pessimism

When you are depressed, pessimism kills any opportunity. Although it tends to do that anyway, in depression, it’s just MUCH WORSE. This compounded with the belief that failure looms on the horizon urges you not to choose. So, you are releasing yourself of any responsibility. Sometimes, not choosing is fine if you feel like choosing is causing you anxiety. But, eventually, there will be moments where you will have to choose. When these moments come, have a toolbox of techniques that can help you make decision-making easier.

Pain and Depression

A surprising sign of depression is physical pain. Yeah, I’m talking about the pain we experience when we fall off our bikes. I know emotional pain is just as … excruciating… but depression accounts for physical pain. Common symptoms are joint pain, limb pain, back pain, muscle ache, and gastrointestinal problems. There is a lot of research in this field, specifically the relationship between depression and fibromyalgia.

But, depression causes pain, and pain causes depression. It’s the perfect and most toxic relationship ever. I mean out of all things that could have stayed unrequited, depression is not one of them. It’s depressing, no? Furthermore, studies show that pain slows recovery from depression. One cannot be treated without the other. Unfortunately, most patients only report the physical symptoms; hence physicians ascribe the symptoms to somatic illnesses leaving depression untreated. This is an incomplete treatment plan that does nothing to address the mood disorder causing pain. .

I’m Lazy. Not Depressed!

We often think fatigue is a defining trait. However, fatigue is not just physical. It can also manifest through apathy, emotional distancing, or impaired concentration. Therefore, its manifestations are so diverse that it is perplexing to tell whether you are depressed or just tired. However, what distinguishes normal fatigue and depression-related fatigue is will or desire. Most people dealing with depression-related fatigue have low-motivation and experience a loss of interest. They withdraw from daily activities and are often mislabeled as “lazy.”

On the other end, people are suffering from depression who are high functioning individuals. Though they seem productive, they experience all of the symptoms associated with this disorder. Regardless of how someone behaves, never assume what they are going through. Why? Because it is an internal battle that a lot of people are not privy to.

Before You Go

If you notice any of these signs, please seek a mental health professional. Don’t try to diagnose yourself based on these articles. Thank you.

If you’re interested in mental health, check out 5 ways you can improve it!
To check out my latest article, check here!