10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day! We are dedicating this special day with many other countries in the world to raise awareness about suicide, mental illnesses as well as suicide prevention.
Did you know that every day, close to 3,000 people commit suicide according to WHO which makes up about 1 million suicide-related deaths each year?
While symptoms of depression are usually persistent sadness and hopelessness, it is not always obvious! It can be masqueraded as something else. By simply being more aware of these 7 tell-tale signs of depression, so we can show some love and help to anybody who might be feeling alone or stuck!
1. Persistent Dark Feelings
Sadness is often mistaken as depression. But a major depressive disorder isn’t the same as a post-breakup sadness. It is usually intense and persistent feelings of hopelessness and helplessness towards a situation. These feelings can spiral into a series of other dark feelings like worthlessness, guilt, or self-loathing and can be displayed as uncontrollable emotions.
2. Loss of Enthusiasm
Another sign of depression is the loss of enthusiasm and interest in the things you normally enjoy. It can be anything from people, a job you are passionate about or even a hobby. You tend to want to withdraw or be alone because you are constantly feeling exhausted or sluggish.
3.Change In Appetite And Weight
While this may vary from person to person, fluctuations in appetite and weight are one of the more obvious signs that something is wrong. Some might cope with depression by overeating, while others might completely lose their appetite for food. This is measured by a significant fluctuation of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
4. Sleeping Disorders
Constant exhaustion or lack of sense of purpose in those suffering from depression might resort to excessive sleeping. Sleeping in this case usually serve as an escape from facing their dark feelings. On the other spectrum, depression is also associated with insomnia, which is the lack of quality restful sleep at night. This can manifest in your inability to focus or make good decisions or remember things.
5. Anger, Irritability Or Substance Abuse
Men and women tend to cope with depression differently. While women usually manifest depression with extreme and intense mood swings, men usually display escapist behavior. However, you can tell by their short temper, restlessness, violence or reckless behavior such as engaging in activities and sports that are harmful to self and substance abuse.
Depression is one of the major risk factor for suicide. It can spiral into a deep dark lonely hole, making death seem like the only way to escape the pain. People with depression usually hide their pain as it might be deemed to be an embarrassment. However, look out for people who are preoccupied with self-harm or dying or if you notice a sudden switch from being extremely depressed to being calm and happy.