Everyone feels low sometimes. These are the signs that it may be depression, and why treatment helps.
Sadness after a loss, a failure or a hard week is a normal part of life. Depression is different: it lasts, it affects the body as well as the mind, and it makes ordinary life hard to manage.
Common signs of depression
- Low mood most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things the person used to enjoy
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Tiredness and low energy
- Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts that life is not worth living
In many people, depression shows up first as body complaints: headaches, body aches, tiredness or stomach problems with no clear cause.
Depression and alcohol
Some people drink to cope with low mood. Alcohol may seem to help for a few hours, but it worsens depression and sleep over time. When both are present, both need treatment.
Treatment works
Depression is a medical condition and is treatable. Depending on its severity, treatment may include counselling, medicines or both. Most people improve with the right care.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please seek help now. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24 hours), or 112 in an emergency.
This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from a doctor who has examined you.
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