6 hidden signs that you are depressed.

“I’m depressed” - although many of us have said this, in most cases depression turned out to be a slight blues: it was enough crying a bit, having a heart-to-heart talk, or getting enough sleep, and everything went away.

Meanwhile, more than a quarter of American adults are diagnosed with true depression: a mental disorder affecting all spheres of life. Experts believe that the situation is worsening: worldwide, depression will rank second on the list of disability causes, right after coronary heart disease.

A combination of several signs may indicate depression.

Depression covers some people with their head: pronounced symptoms force them to finally seek help from a specialist. Others are not even aware of the severity of their condition: the symptoms in which it manifests itself are so elusive.

“Low mood and loss of pleasure are not the only signs of this ailment,” psychiatrist John Zajeska of Rush University Medical Center explains. “It is a mistake to think that a person must be sad and cry for any reason – some people, on the contrary, feel anger or feel nothing at all.”

“One symptom is not yet a reason to make a diagnosis, but a combination of several symptoms can speak of depression, especially if they persist for a long time,” says Holly Schwartz, psychiatrist and professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

1. Changing sleep patterns

You may have been able to sleep the whole day before, but now you won't. Or maybe 6 hour sleep was enough for you earlier, and now the whole weekend is not enough to get enough sleep.

Schwartz is sure that such changes may indicate depression: “Sleep is what helps us function normally. A depressed patient cannot rest properly and recuperate during sleep. "

“In addition, some people experience psychomotor agitation, which causes anxiety and inability to relax,” adds Joseph Calabris, professor of psychiatry and director of the Mood Disorders Program at the University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center.

In short, if you are having trouble sleeping, this is a reason to see a doctor.

2. Confused thoughts

“Clarity and consistency of thinking, the ability to focus are what you should definitely pay attention to,” Zadzheska explains. - It happens so that it is difficult for a person to keep attention on a book or TV show even for half an hour. Forgetfulness, slow thinking, inability to make a decision are alarming signals."

3. "Mental gum"

Are you thinking about certain situations over and over again, running the same thoughts in your head? You seem to be trapped in negative thoughts and look at neutral facts in a negative way. This can lead to depression or prolong a depressive episode that has already happened to you.

Studies show that people with obsessive thoughts tend to seek support from others, but receive less support each time.

A little reflection will not hurt anyone, but chewing "mental gum" makes you fully concentrate on yourself, constantly return in conversations to the same topic, which sooner or later bothers your friends and family. And when they turn away from us, our self-esteem drops, which can lead to a new wave of depression.

4. Sharp fluctuations in weight

Weight gain can be one of the signs of depression. Someone begins to overeat; someone completely loses interest in food: your favorite dishes suddenly cease to bring you pleasure. Depression affects the areas of the brain responsible for pleasure and appetite control. Changes in eating habits are often accompanied by fatigue: when we eat less, we get less energy.

5. Lack of emotion

Have you noticed that someone you know, who used to be sociable, passionate about work, spending a lot of time with family and friends, suddenly pulled away from all this? It is possible that this person is depressed. Isolation, refusal of social contacts is one of the most obvious signs of depression. Another symptom is blunted emotional reaction to what is happening. It is not difficult to notice such changes in a person: facial muscles become less active, facial expressions change.

6. Health problems for no apparent reason

Depression can be the cause of many "unexplained" health problems: headaches, indigestion, back pain. “This kind of pain is very real, patients often go to the doctor with complaints, but they are never diagnosed with depression,” Zajeska explains.

Pain and depression are driven by the same chemicals that travel along specific neural pathways, and ultimately depression can change the brain's sensitivity to pain. In addition, it, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, can contribute to the development of heart disease.

What to do with depression?

Did you notice several of the symptoms described above, or all six at once? Don't delay your visit to the doctor. The good news is that even if you have depression, together you can manage it. Depression is treated with medications, psychotherapy, but the combination of these two approaches is most effective. The main thing you need to know is that you are not alone and should not suffer anymore. Help is nearby.