6 Signs You Might Be Struggling with Depression— And How to Fight it

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. Depression is a complex mental health condition. It isn’t a sign of weakness, it is a serious medical condition that can impact one’s ability to function properly. Sometimes, it may not be caused by heartbreaks. It may be as a result of overthinking, maybe about debts, concerning issues, etc. But regardless of the causes, it is still a very serious issue and its in fact, very dangerous.

Recognizing the signs of depression early can yield positive and effective treatment. Some people don’t realize they are depressed but feel the consequences, not realizing what’s actually wrong with them. They question their mental health, hurting themselves the more. If you feel you’re in that category, don’t worry, you’re not going crazy.

 This article will help you identify those signs, and offer you guidelines on how to get rid of it, because depression is no joking matter, and struggling with it in silence is not the best choice. So keep your eyes glued to this article, while we expose the symptoms of  depressions, and start your path to recovery.

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Here are some signs, and how  to fight them

1. Persistent Sadness

Although there’s a huge distinction between sadness and depression, too much sadness is a sign of depression. No matter the situation, you’re always sad and can’t be cheered up. Sometimes, you, might even find yourself crying and you don’t know why. It’s always like there’s a weight on your heart that you can’t lift.

How to Fight it

If you are experiencing this, don’t worry there’s a solution. You can get rid of it by fighting back for your happiness.

• Try talking it out:  Yes, a problem shared is definitely a problem half solved. To first off get the load off your chest, you need to share it, maybe with someone you trust or a therapist. That will be the first bold step to take in fighting any sign of depression.

• Try to reveal the root of the sadness and fight it from there: Make yourself happy by finding out what caused you to be sad in the first place. Eliminate it by convincing yourself that whatever caused you to be sad is all in the past, don’t judge yourself, just let every guilt go.

• Go out and get some fresh air: Just go out, get some sunshine and fresh air. Go to the park, go for a walk, just go anywhere to get your mind off of things.

2. Fatigue and Low Energy 

You’re always tired huh? Even after a good night’s sleep? Everything feels energy draining, including getting up from bed. Yup! That’s depression alright. This isn’t regular tiredness, its mental exhaustion- the kind that makes you feel like you don’t want to do anything but exist.

How to Fight it

• Move your body: Even if its just a little exercise like stretching, walking,etc. Just move to release fatigue.

• Stay hydrated: Always stay hydrated. Drink a whole lot of water because of fatigue.

• Celebrate small wins: Even the littlest thing you do should be celebrated. You’re not lazy, you’re just battling something invisible- every step forward deserves to be celebrated.

3. Change in Sleep Patterns

It’s either you’re sleeping too much and still feeling tired, or you’re not even sleeping at all. Maybe you’re up at night thinking or crying, or you sleep to escape reality. Which ever the case may be, its still a  very serious issue.

How to fight it

• Try relaxation techniques: Try to chill out and relax. Mediate, try yoga, try out going to the spa. Just relax your body, calm your nerves. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep, this is for you.  You’ll sleep more relaxed.

• Avoid screens before bed: Blue light from your phone messes with melatonin, your sleep hormone.

4.Feelings of worthlessness

You always feel like you’re a burden to everybody, like you’re not good enough, and your past replays in your head like a DVD plate, back and forth. You blame every single bad thing that happens on yourself, every little mistake feels huge. You drown your self worth everyday, and constantly say things like, “Nobody loves me”, “ I hate myself”, “ it’s all my fault”. This is a very big sign of depression.

How to fight it

1.Challenge your thoughts: Convince yourself that you are the most special person in the world, that no one can ever be better than you, your past self doesn’t define who you are, and if no one loves you, you love yourself very much.

• Talk to someone:  Sharing your problem with someone you trust would help you get it off your chest.

5. Aggressiveness

You snap at people for no reason. The littlest things make you angry. It’s depression alright. Even when you feel guilty afterwards, a little mistake from someone could set you off again.

How to fight it

• 1.Identify the root of the emotion: Try and think, “what really caused this?”

• Pause before reacting: When you feel triggered, take a deep breath and calm down.

6. Suicidal Thoughts

This is the mother of all signs. A lot of people have experienced this, some have even lost their lives from it.  No matter what you’re going through, killing yourself is not an option.

The best way to deal with this is to seek therapy and do not kill yourself for any issue at all.

Depression tells you horrible lies about yourself. You are very much okay, nothing is wrong with you. No matter what comes your way, don’t give up. Fight depression, you’ll win in the end!