signs and symptoms of depression & clinical depression: A quick guide
Here is a quick guide to depression. I’ll be talking about depression symptoms (which also encompasses signs and symptoms of depression & clinical depression symptoms).
Depression and anxiety often occur at the same time. If you’d like to read a quick guide about anxiety, you can click here.
First, let’s talk about the origin of depression, so the signs and symptoms of depression will make sense within context.
The Origin of Depression
People feel depressed when they are not being true to themselves, or are not living authentically. Saying this an unexplained sadness, grief, and slowed dense energy exists. For many, these signs (which I will elaborate on more below) are unrecognized until thought forms, that are incongruent with the one’s inherent nature, materialize into a life that creates a façade which is variations away from the the True Self (a superficial way of being).
Be sure to check in with your health care provider if you have questions, concerns, or think this applies to you.
Depressed Mood
A generally low mood of pervasive unhappiness is a primary symptom of depression. In children, teens or male identities (specifying male identities due to internalized societal scripts about suppressing emotion, particularly vulnerability), irritability is often predominant (as it is an ‘acceptable’ way of expressing discontent), although irritability or anger is actually rooted in sadness, despondency, and/or dejection.
Anhedonia
Substantial resistance or difficulty accessing a sense of pleasure or recreation.
Weight Change, as a Result of Low Mood
Here we are referencing the mind-body-soul connection, in that as a result of depressed mood, a person’s thriving and motivation is diminished which results in decreased appetite (which results in weight loss), or increased superficial, ineffective self-soothing (which are forms of distractions), such as comfort eating, oversleeping, increased media, & less productivity.
A person’s body chemistry also changes when stressed due to increase cortisol levels in the body, which also makes weight loss more difficult, as the body is in self-preservation, or is holding onto fat for protection; OR contributes to unhealthy weight loss (i.e., indigestion due to stress). Here you can see that weight exemplifies the unbalanced equilibrium we exhibit when out of alignment, and is one of the signs and symptoms of depression.
Sleep Disturbance
Sleeping too much or too little, and lower quality of sleep as a manifestation of sadness and low mood, is another sign or symptom of depression.
Low Energy & Diminished Motivation
Low Motivation is another one of the depression symptoms to note. When we are disconnected from our Authentic Self, we are disconnected from our life force, or the things that brings us vibrancy. Motivation naturally diminishes when we walk away from our life purpose or inherent state; And naturally returns when we turn (or face, or walk towards) who we really are.
Slowed Body Movement, as a Result of Mood
In regards to depression symptoms, moving slower, as a result of low mood, is another sign or symptom of depression.
Feelings of Worthlessness & Excessively Guilty
Due to low self-esteem, which is expected when we are not in alignment with Our Authentic Selves, a propensity towards an accumulation of guilt exists.
Limited Concentration
Limited concentration is a very common clinical characteristic, and sign and symptom of depression, regardless of age or development.
Feelings of Hopelessness & Tearfulness
Feeling more prone to cry, and being tearful readily (due to feelings of overwhelm, stemming from sadness).
Thoughts of Death or Suicide
Thoughts of death or suicide is a common symptom of depression. Unfortunately, many people often experience these thoughts for long periods of time, and manage by themselves due to stigma of getting help, or limited access to competent, affirming care. In all cases, you should be under the care of a mental health provider if you are experiencing this.
However, in many circumstances, given the right care, thoughts of suicide and death can be managed and worked through as a person heals. It is possible to heal here.
However, if you are concerned about yourself or a friend, get help right away. Call your health care provider. You can also contact these emergency suicide hotlines below, which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If necessary call 911. You are valuable. You matter.