{"id":7982,"date":"2020-03-10T16:25:24","date_gmt":"2020-03-10T23:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/?p=7982"},"modified":"2020-03-12T19:25:01","modified_gmt":"2020-03-13T02:25:01","slug":"depression-recognizing-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/depression-recognizing-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Signs of Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Being unhappy isn\u2019t the same as being depressed. Depression is a term often used loosely to describe how we feel after a bad week at work or when we\u2019re going through a breakup. But major depressive disorder \u2014 a type of depression \u2014 is much more complicated. There are specific symptoms that determine whether it\u2019s depression or the sadness we all sometimes experience in life.<\/p>\n

Determining if persistent, unshakable dark feelings are a result of depression can be the first step toward healing and recovery. Read through these warning signs to see if it\u2019s time for you to see a mental health professional.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a> 1. Hopeless outlook<\/h2>\n
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Major depression is a mood disorder that affects the way you feel about life in general. Having a hopeless or helpless outlook on your life is the most common symptom of depression.<\/p>\n

Other feelings may be worthlessness, self-hate, or inappropriate guilt. Common, recurring thoughts of depression may be vocalized as, \u201cIt\u2019s all my fault,\u201d or \u201cWhat\u2019s the point?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a> 2. Lost interest<\/h2>\n
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Depression can take the pleasure or enjoyment out of the things you love. A loss of interest or withdrawal from activities that you once looked forward to \u2014 sports, hobbies, or going out with friends \u2014 is yet another telltale sign of major depression.<\/p>\n

Another area where you may lose interest is sex. Symptoms of major depression include a decreased sex drive and even impotence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a> 3. Increased fatigue and sleep problems<\/h2>\n
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Part of the reason you might stop doing things you enjoy is because you feel very tired. Depression often comes with a lack of energy and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, which can be among the most debilitating symptoms of depression. This could lead to excessive sleeping.<\/p>\n

Depression is also linked with insomnia, as one might lead to the other and vice versa. They can also make each other worse. The lack of quality, restful sleep can also lead to anxiety.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/a> 4. Anxiety<\/h2>\n
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While depression hasn\u2019t been shown to cause anxiety, the two conditions often occur together. Symptoms of anxiety can include:<\/p>\n