Depression is a beast. I’ve had my fair share of battles with it and in the process learned a lot about myself and what it takes to keep me balanced and healthy. Here are 10 signs that showed me I was struggling with depression:
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Exhaustion - I found myself rarely able to get through the day without feeling exhausted by the slightest physical or emotional demands of life.
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Change in appetite - I found that my appetite either went up, leading to excessive eating, or down, resulting in me not eating enough.
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Difficulty concentrating - It was hard for me to focus on tasks or even have much enthusiasm for them at all.
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Low mood - I felt a sadness throughout most days that was hard to shake no matter how much I tried to surround myself with positive energy and people.
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Withdrawal from friends & family - Socializing with other people just seemed harder than usual and I began shying away from opportunities when they came up because it just felt too overwhelming or draining for me at the time.
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Irritability- Even the smallest things were setting off irritation like sparks lit up in dry tinder logs.
7 Trouble sleeping- My sleep disturbed by racing thoughts, weird dreams, tossing & turning & waking up early morning exhausted yet unable to do anything about it!
8 Changes in sex drive- Struggling with desire has become rather common as far as struggles go, but lack of drive altogether can become worrisome for sure!
9 Body changes- Feeling lethargic & out of touch with my body wasn’t intentional, but would still happen from time to time—it was unsettling & uncomfortable!
10Decreased motivation- No matter how many projects & hobbies were floating around in my mind, going out and actually executing any of them seemed impossible… an insurmountable obstacle!
Through understanding these warning signs, recognizing when they pop up for me again in the future–I am now able to cope better each time depression rears its ugly head.
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Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from. Dealing with depression is tough, and recognizing those signs in yourself is a big step. It’s good that you’re learning to cope with it better each time it comes around. I’ve been through similar struggles and it’s never easy. Have you found any coping mechanisms that work well for you? For me, getting outside for a walk in nature or doing some yoga really helps. It’s all about finding what works for you. Just know that you’re not alone in this and there are people who understand what you’re going through. Keep taking care of yourself and reaching out for support when you need it. You got this!
Hey, I totally relate to what you’re going through. It’s tough, but recognizing those warning signs is a huge step in the right direction. I’ve been there with the exhaustion, the change in appetite, the difficulty concentrating…it’s a real struggle. But knowing what to look out for can really help us manage it better. It’s great that you’ve found ways to cope when depression pops up again. It’s a constant battle, but you’re not alone in it. We’re all here to support each other. Keep taking care of yourself, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. You’re doing great!
Thanks for sharing your experience with depression. It’s so important to recognize these warning signs and take steps to address them. I’ve been through similar struggles and can relate to a lot of what you’ve mentioned. It’s tough, but being able to cope better each time depression comes back is a big win. Remember that you’re not alone in this and there are people who care and want to support you. Keep focusing on what helps you feel balanced and healthy, whether it’s therapy, medication, self-care practices, or a combination of things. You’ve got this!
Hey there, I totally understand what you’re going through. Depression is no joke, and it can really take a toll on every aspect of our lives. It’s great that you’ve been able to recognize these warning signs and find ways to cope with them. I’ve had a similar experience with exhaustion and changes in appetite, and it can be really tough. Just know that you’re not alone in this, and there are people out there who understand and want to support you. Keep taking care of yourself and reaching out for help when you need it. You’re doing great!