3 Cardinal Signs of Depression

"Depression is like living in a body that fights to survive, with a mind that tries to die"

--HealthyPlace.com

 

Everyone experiences set backs and occasionally have 'low mood' days. In moments like that we may loosely use the word "I am depressed", however an individual who suffers from the mood disorder called depression this is completely different from the normal depression we all experience.

Depression generally makes it very difficult for the affected individual to cope and manage with life. It is not an illness of the "weak" or "fainthearted" as many often think. Depression has been proven to be associated with functional changes in the brains of the individuals who are affected by it. 

 

The three cardinal symptoms of depression are

# 1. Persistent low mood- which occurs most part of the day, almost every day for two or more weeks or even months.

 

# 2. Loss of interest in hobbies, work, activities and in things you normally or previously enjoyed doing.

 

# 3. Noticeable reduced or lack of energy, hence the individual is easily fatigued.

 

There are other symptoms such as impaired sleep, impaired appetite, diminished ability to concentrate or indecisiveness almost every day, suicidal thoughts and feelings of guilt, helpless, and hopelessness.

 

When you are better educated about what you are dealing with, then you're never without hope. Let's spread the awareness and not the stigma.

Remember, people with mental health challenges can live more productive lives, talk to a professional today