It is quite common to feel low from time to time. After all, life is certainly not a walk in the park. However, if you were to carry emotions like hopelessness and despair for a long period, you may have depression. 

What is depression?
Depression is not just mere sadness as a response to one’s situation in life. It pretty much changes the way you think, feel, and act in everyday situations. Depression also largely interferes with your eating and sleeping habits and the ability to enjoy life.

The signs and symptoms of depression 
The signs and symptoms could largely vary from person to person, but it is important to act early in case you notice these signs early. Some of the signs and symptoms include:

Nothing-will-ever-get-better attitude 
You carry a bleak outlook most of the time and feel completely helpless to intervene to improve the situation. 

Loss of interest 
You no longer spend time doing what you love or are passionate about. You also do not care about how you spend your free time and have minimal social activities. In addition, you have a minimal sexual drive. 

Physical appearance
People with depression tend to go through extremities in weight. It could be either weight gain or loss. Studies show a 5% of people experience changes in their weight due to depression. 

Erratic sleep patterns 
Like weight extremities, sleep patterns also get affected drastically. One may either experience insomnia or overindulge in sleep. Some are known to sleepwalk early in the morning. People often find comfort while sleeping.

Anger and irritation
Pretty much everything gets on your nerves and you have the least tolerance. There is very little patience coupled with restlessness and an undercurrent of irritation. 

Physically drained 
Someone with depression tends to get drained easily. They would feel fatigued and sluggish and would delay their daily activities, owing to tiredness.

Concentration issues 
This is one of the common early signs and symptoms of depression. If you or your loved ones find it difficult to focus on a task, then there is a likelihood of depression. In addition, one also finds it difficult to recollect recent incidents and may have trouble making decisions. 

Self-loathing 
You heavily criticize yourself for all the perceived mistakes and faults. There is always a sense of guilt. 

While it is quite easy to spot these early symptoms and signs of depression, it is also difficult to understand it, as many mistake it for a phase in one’s life. Watch yourselves very closely and act accordingly. If the early signs and symptoms do turn out to be depression, ensure to reach out for professional help immediately.