Depression: how to recognize the first signs?

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by depressed mood, loss of interest in various aspects of life, and problems with sleep and appetite. This condition is accompanied by a host of emotional problems, including a persistent sense of sadness, pessimism, lack of vitality, guilt, melancholy and anxiety. Without appropriate measures, the situation can turn tragic. Let's explore what triggers the development of depression and how it can be distinguished from a bad mood.

Causes of depression

There are several key factors that contribute to the appearance of severe forms of depression:

Biological factors

1. Genetic predisposition.

2. Experiencing serious illnesses.

3. The influence of age-related changes.

4. Features of metabolism in a body.

Social factors

1. Pregnancy and related changes.

2. Emotional stress after divorce or separation.

3. Problems associated with low social status.

4. Loss of a loved one.

5. Difficulties at work or in an educational institution.

6. Problems in personal relationships.

7. Loss of a job.

Psychological factors

1. Personal qualities and characteristics of the individual.

2. Psychological traumas.

3. Experiencing difficult life circumstances.

4. Prolonged exposure to stress.

How to recognize stress in a person?

Experts identify four main categories of signs of stress:

1. Mental signs, which include difficulty with complex tasks, problems with concentration and decision-making.

2. Emotional signs, manifested through fatigue, apathy, depressed mood, lack of energy, suicidal thoughts, and insomnia.

3. Behavioral signs, noticeable by observing a person, include sudden mood changes, anger, irritability, anxiety, sadness, and desire for privacy.

4. Physiological signs such as changes in appetite, constipation, decreased sex drive, physical pain, and loss of interest in favorite activities.

Symptomatology of depression

Symptoms of depression are divided into major and minor categories.

Major symptoms include:

• Consistently low mood for at least two weeks.

• Increased fatigue lasting more than a month.

• Complete lack of interest in routine activities.

Additional symptoms:

• Excessive self-criticism.

• Increased feelings of guilt.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Slowing of psychomotor functions.

• Fluctuations in decision making.

• Problems with eating behavior.

• Decreased level of concentration.