We all feel depressed and low sometimes, but when the feeling is persistent, it should raise red flags. It could be depression, a serious condition that requires medical attention. Depression, when timely diagnosed and managed, can help you lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Most people don’t recognize the signs or discount the need to seek medical attention. As you strive to improve San Pedro mental health, seeking timely treatment is critical as it helps lower the chances of recurrence and severe consequences of unmanaged depressive illness. Depression can be managed through psychotherapy, medication, or a combination depending on its severity. Among the signs you should seek professional attention for depression include:

Loss of interest

Losing interest in things you usually enjoy or pleasure in them, such as an outing with friends, hobbies, or sex, among others, could be a sign of depression. If left unmanaged, you gradually lose interest to the point of self-isolation. This can significantly impact the quality of your life, especially as loneliness due to isolation takes over. Immediate management can help you address the depressive illness, regain interest, and enjoy a more vibrant social life.

Suicidal thoughts

Have you been battling thoughts of death? Suicidal thoughts can take a toll on you. Whenever you can’t seem to get through a challenge, regardless of its importance, the thoughts kick in, making it harder to focus on anything else. Such thoughts can also be accompanied by a feeling of guilt, helplessness, and being worthless. If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Anger issues

Are you easily irritable? Anger is a normal reaction, but if you are finding it hard to cope with minor exasperations, you could be depressed. Anger issues could vary from feeling restless and irritated to easily getting annoyed by routine stressors.

Aches

Concerns such as persistent headaches, digestive issues, or pain that does not get better with treatments could indicate depression. The unexplained aches can subside once you manage the depressive illness impacting how your brain functions.

Sleep problems

Depression can make it harder to fall and stay asleep or wake up. You could stay up too late, staring into nothing as your brain wanders off, making falling asleep challenging. Frequent awakenings, especially caused by nightmares, can also become the order of your sleep routine. In other instances, you could struggle to wake up, battling a lack of energy and feeling tired almost daily.

Appetite changes

Have you recently gained or lost weight unintendedly? Depression can impact your appetite, either losing it or causing you to overeat. It is what most people term as eating your feelings. If you notice unexplained weight gain/loss or appetite changes, it may be a sign you are depressed. Seeking professional assistance is important, helping you to avoid malnutrition or excessive weight that exposes you to many health risks.

If left unmanaged, depression can lead to significant complications, including drug abuse, health concerns, isolation, ruined relationships, and poor productivity, among others. If you suspect you are depressed or spot any sign, seeking immediate help is essential, making it easier to manage and improve the quality of your life. Visit Harbor Community Health Centers for more on depression and all your mental health needs.