7 Signs That Your Depression Is Returning--And What to Do About It
7 Signs That Your Depression Is ReturningAnd What to Do About It
BY Alexi Doan
AUGUST 27, 2018
Depression usually signals its re-arrival with a selection of warning symptoms. Here are seven to look out for, and what to do when you spot them:
1) Fatigue
When a pile of dirty dishes has sat in your sink for days (even weeks) and the work-day feels more like a work-decade, it could mean that depression is sneaking back in.
2) Sleep changes:
Depression has the ability to drastically alter sleep, and turn early birds into night owls (and vice versa). If you notice youre getting too much, or too little, take note.
3) Loss of interest:
When partaking in day-to-day simple pleasures walking your dog, pursuing your passions knitting, reading, kayaking, spending time with familybecomes a chore, depression is likely the culprit.
4) Irrational feelings of guilt:
Depression often causes immense feelings of guiltand can make you believe you arent doing enough, or are not enough. The seemingly endless cycle of depression and guilt is self-feeding and malicious. If this is what you are experiencing, remember: guilt is a symptom of depression, its not you.
5) Changes in appetite:
Have you been eating more than usual, or does food just seem inedible? Both are signs of depression.
6) Irritability & agitation:
Depression doesnt just make you sad; it can also make you angry. When things you normally brush off get under your skincausing angry outbursts that wreak havoc on relationships note that its likely because of depression.
7) Unexplainable physical pain:
Depression causes both emotional AND physical pain. Be on the lookout for body aches of all shapes and sizesmigraines, back pain, stomachaches or intense flare-ups in your chronic conditions.
Dont wait! Getting help is time sensitive
When these 7 signs of depression get in the way of your ability to function in daily life, its time to reach out for help. Reoccurrences of depression are both common and treatable when they are proactively addressed. However, the longer the symptoms loom, the worse depression gets. Here are a few ways you can address a relapse in depression:
~Talk to a trusted family member or friend let them know how you are feeling.
~Record all of the symptomsboth mental AND physicalyou are experiencing.
~Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms (bring your list with you!)
~Visit a therapist for talk therapy an important tool find solutions and coping with feelings and problems.
~Finis~
https://www.hopetocope.com/7-signs-that-your-depression-is-returning-and-what-to-do-about-it/
CentralMass
(15,567 posts)littlemissmartypants
(25,717 posts)Take care of yourself.
Siwsan
(27,322 posts)When I was working in a very toxic environment, AND dealing with the fatal illnesses of my mom and sister, I'd wake up (during the few (3 to4) hours I slept) with the most aching pain throughout my torso. Sometimes I'd get up and take a hot, hot shower, hoping to be able to relax.
Step by step, bit by bit, I'm getting better with most symptoms of depression, but that survivor guilt will probably follow me to my grave. It's one of those things you can talk about until you are blue in the face, but people just never understand.
littlemissmartypants
(25,717 posts)Siwsan
(27,322 posts)My niece is moving back to Michigan. She's my late sister's daughter. I was the one who stood with her at her wedding and I'll be the one with her when she starts her family. It shouldn't be me. It should be my sister. That's a hard "privilege" to bear.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,011 posts)I recognized especially the pain symptoms, and how hard it is to stop and think about the daily pains, esp. when you are aging and pains, clouded thinking. sleep/appetite changes are thought to be normal.
worse yet. most docs only recognize an organic cause for pain, insomnia, etc and respond by giving the wrong medicine, so to speak.
littlemissmartypants
(25,717 posts)Especially the pain management point. I think this is a case where a person who has (psychotropic) depression pain could end up being over medicated if put on meds for (physiological) physical pain in combination with medicine for depression, anxiety or mood stabilization depending on the medical diagnosis.
Delmette2.0
(4,264 posts)I thought my apathy for so much was my only sign of depression. I think I have hit on 1 thru 5 on the list.
I'm much better now, but wow! I didn't realize how much I changed.
Thank you for posting this much needed article.
littlemissmartypants
(25,717 posts)I am happy to hear that you are feeling better.