It was quite a realisation for the society when an A-lister actress, like Deepika Padukone, chose to come out and speak about her mental health condition in public. She openly discussed her struggles with depression and the impact it had on her life, including her failed relationship. Despite the potential negative impact on her career, she chose to speak openly about her experiences in order to help others who may be going through similar struggles.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 264 million people are suffering from depression.

But how does one know if they have depression? Is sadness depression? Or is sadness just a passing phase? Let us explore.

Generally speaking, depression is a state of mind that can manifest differently for different individuals. Some people may not show any obvious symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that greatly impact their daily life. Societal stereotypes and expectations play a role in how individuals perceive and cope with their mental health.

It is not always easy to recognize depression, hence, it’s important to pay attention to how one feels and how the feelings change over time. Keeping an open dialogue with a mental health professional and loved ones can be helpful in identifying depression symptoms.

Here are seven telltale signs that indicate you might be suffering from depression. If you don’t recognize them and take timely action, then you are stuck in a cycle that is hard to escape.

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed is a common symptom of depression. This can include hobbies, social activities, or even work or school. People with depression may find it difficult to motivate themselves to do things they once enjoyed, or they may not find pleasure in those activities anymore. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness and can make it difficult for the person to participate in daily life. If you are experiencing this symptom, it’s important to talk to a family member, and visit a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Changes in appetite and weight

Changes in appetite and weight can be a symptom of depression. People with depression may experience a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Others may experience an increase in appetite, which can lead to weight gain. These changes in appetite and weight can be caused by changes in hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain that affect appetite and metabolism. It’s important to note that changes in appetite and weight can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s always best to seek help from a medical or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Difficulty in sleeping or excessive sleeping

Difficulty in sleeping or excessive sleeping is a common symptom of depression. People with depression may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to insomnia. They may also have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning or feel excessively sleepy during the day. On the other hand, some people with depression may sleep excessively and have trouble staying awake during the day. These changes in sleep patterns can be caused by changes in hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate sleep. Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping can also make depression symptoms worse, leading to a vicious cycle. If you are experiencing this symptom, it’s important to talk to a medical or mental health professional and get help at the earliest.

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt are common symptoms of depression. People with depression may have negative thoughts about themselves, their abilities, and their past actions. They may feel guilty for things they have done or blame themselves for things they have no control over. These feelings of worthlessness or guilt can be overwhelming and can make it difficult for the person to participate in daily life. They may also have a negative impact on self-esteem and self-worth, making it harder for the person to seek help or take steps to improve their mental health. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you should not ignore this and get the best help at the earliest.

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions is a common symptom of depression. People with depression may have trouble focusing on tasks or following through with plans. They may also find it difficult to make decisions, even small ones. This can be caused by changes in hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain that affect cognitive function. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions can also impact a person’s ability to work, study, or maintain relationships. It can also make it harder for the person to manage their daily life. If you are experiencing this symptom, it’s important to talk to a medical or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Feeling disconnected

Feeling disconnected from what is important to you is a common symptom of depression. People with depression may have trouble finding meaning or purpose in things that were once important to them, such as their work, relationships, or hobbies. They may also feel disconnected from their own emotions, thoughts, and values. This can lead to feelings of apathy, emptiness, or numbness. It may also make it difficult for them to set goals, make plans, or take action to improve their mental health. This disconnection can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, which can make it harder for the person to seek help or take steps to improve their mental health. If you are experiencing this symptom, it’s important to talk to a medical or mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Avoiding and controlling distress during depression

During depression, people may try to avoid or control distress by using a variety of coping mechanisms. Some people may try to avoid the source of their distress by withdrawing from social situations, avoiding certain activities, or avoiding certain people. Avoiding or controlling distress through unhealthy coping mechanisms may provide short-term relief, but they do not address the underlying issues causing depression and can make the symptoms worse in the long term. For example, withdrawing from social situations can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can exacerbate depression symptoms. Similarly, engaging in compulsive behaviours such as overeating, overworking, or overspending can lead to additional problems such as health issues or financial difficulties. These coping mechanisms can also create a cycle of negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that can be hard to break.

These symptoms might not appear to be life-threatening, but pose a grave threat to one’s mental health and affect overall well-being. Hence, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional who can help you to identify and address the underlying issues causing your distress, and develop healthy coping mechanisms that work for you.

Online Counselling for Depression

It can be difficult to open up with somebody for the first time. To make your therapy journey smooth, we have built a team of psychologists with expertise in depression. They have helped thousands of people just like you.

You can download the TickTalkTo app to get counselling support from our psychologists. Our therapists will first understand your needs and perform a detailed assessment to diagnose depression. Then a customised treatment plan is chalked out to help you.

Here is a review of one of the users Nirmala Shende, who used TickTalkTo to seek help;

Don’t worry, TickTalkTo is not expensive. There are plans to suit everyone’s needs. Just give it a try. If you have an Android phone, download the app here. And if you have an iPhone you can download the app here.

Remember that depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support and resources, individuals can recover and improve their mental health.