Being sad and being depressed are two things that are often mixed up, with depression becoming a term used too loosely. However, depression is much more complicated and has specific symptoms that may change the course of one’s life. So, determining whether unshakable, persistent dark feelings are indeed a part of “depression” is the first step toward healing and recovery. Listed herein are seven early warning signs and symptoms of depression to be on the lookout for, whether it is for yourself or someone you care about.

Hopelessness
Depression is a mood disorder that affects the way one feels about life in general. Someone having a helpless or hopeless outlook toward life is one of the most common early warning signs of depression. Other feelings could be inappropriate guilt, self-hate, or even worthlessness. Common recurrent thoughts during depression could be vocalized as “What’s the point?” or “It’s all my fault.”

Lack of interest
Depression can take the novelty and pleasure out of the things that one loves. Withdrawal from or loss of interest in activities a person once looked forward to, such as reading, playing, art, music, or even going out with friends, is yet another early warning sign of depression. Another area that one could lose interest in is sex. In fact, signs of clinical depression include a decreased sex drive, which could even sometimes lead to impotency.

Increased fatigue and sleep issues
Depression often brings along with it a wave of lack of energy, a feeling of tiredness, and even an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. These are a few of the most debilitating early warning signs and symptoms of depression which could lead to excessive sleeping. On the other hand, depression is also linked to insomnia, and one can affect the other and vice versa.

Anxiety
While depression isn’t exactly the cause of anxiety, the two conditions often happen together. Some of the commonest symptoms of anxiety include trouble focusing on your thoughts, muscle twitching or trembling, heavy or increased sweating, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, feelings of dread, panic, or danger, and feelings of tenseness, restlessness, and nervousness.

Changes in weight and appetite
Appetite and weight can fluctuate for people who are suffering from depression, and this experience could differ from person to person. While some will not be hungry and will lose weight, others will see increased appetites and gain weight.

Emotional vulnerability
One of the early warning signs of depression is sudden mood swings and changes in emotions. In a minute, one will be angry, while the very next minute could involve uncontrollable crying. Depression can cause severe mood swings and lead to one becoming emotionally fragile.

Suicidal tendencies
Depression is connected deeply with suicide, especially in today’s times. More than 50,000 people lose their lives to depression every year in the country. Such people will often talk about these tendencies or thoughts first or make a previous attempt before committing suicide and ending their lives. So, if you think someone is exhibiting such tendencies, listen to them, remove any things of harm, stay with them till help arrives, and immediately call for help.