Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It affects the way you feel, behave, and think, leading to intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal from activities you once enjoyed.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may be suffering from depression. Here are some signs that indicate you may have depression:.

Loss of Interest in Daily Activities

One of the most common signs of depression is a sudden loss of interest in daily activities that you once enjoyed. This could be anything from hobbies to spending time with friends and family.

You might feel like nothing is fun or enjoyable anymore, leading to social withdrawal and feelings of loneliness.

Changes in Eating Habits

Depression can also lead to changes in eating habits. This could mean a sudden loss of appetite or overeating and binge eating. You may also crave certain foods to the point where it becomes a coping mechanism and source of comfort.

Insomnia or Hypersomnia

Sleep disruptions are a common symptom of depression. Individuals may experience insomnia and have trouble falling or staying asleep. Conversely, some people may sleep longer than usual and experience hypersomnia.

Both scenarios can lead to difficulty focusing during the day and can impact your overall quality of life.

Feelings of Hopelessness and Helplessness

Depression can make you feel like everything is hopeless and that nothing can be improved. You may feel like there’s no point to anything and that nothing will ever get better.

This feeling of hopelessness can lead to thoughts of suicide and is a serious symptom of depression that should be addressed immediately.

Changes in Energy Levels

Depression can also cause changes in energy levels. You may feel fatigued and have a lack of energy, making it difficult to complete daily tasks.

On the other hand, you may feel restless and have an excess of energy that you don’t know how to properly channel.

Difficulty Concentrating

Another common sign of depression is difficulty concentrating. You may find that you have trouble focusing on simple tasks and that your memory has been impacted.

This can make it difficult to work or go to school, leading to additional stress and lower performance on daily tasks.

Physical Symptoms

Depression doesn’t just affect your thoughts and emotions. It can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension.

These symptoms can persist even after treatment for physical health issues, leading to additional frustration and concern.

Loss of Libido

Depression can also impact your sex drive, leading to a loss of libido. You may feel less interested in sex or find that it’s difficult to become aroused.

This can lead to difficulties in intimate relationships and can impact your overall sense of self-worth.

Negative Thoughts and Self-Talk

Depression can also lead to negative thoughts and self-talk. You may find that you criticize yourself frequently and have a pessimistic view of the future.

Negative thoughts can lead to excessive worry and anxiety, making it difficult to find joy in day-to-day life.

Unexplained Physical Pain

Finally, depression can cause unexplained physical pain. This may include chronic headaches, back pain, and other types of discomfort that don’t have a clear physical cause.

These symptoms may be ignored or dismissed by medical professionals, leading to frustration and a lack of proper treatment.