5 Warning Signs Of Depression

It is important to learn about the 5 warning signs of depression, as depression is a serious mental condition that can be very easily misunderstood or go unnoticed by people surrounding the sufferers. While many may simply disregard one or more of these symptoms as someone “being sad,” they in fact are the first of 5 warning signs of depression, a serious disorder that can ultimately negatively affect eating and sleeping habits, as well as work and personal relationships.

Like most conditions, the key to treating depression is diagnosing it early and knowing the 5 warning signs of depression. The longer people wait to receive treatment, the more risk they subject themselves to in terms of the possible negative effects of living with depression.
With that in mind, here are 5 warning signs of depression that everyone should keep an eye on:

1. A lack of interest in activities that the person used to be interested in. Typically, people who suffer from depression lose interest in doing things that they once enjoyed doing. This can range as anything from dropping out of social events like clubs and sports teams, to walling themselves off from outsiders with whom they once shared a hobby. This symptom of depression typically goes on to worsen the condition, because it hurts some of the social relationships that depression sufferers previously engaged in.
2. A noticeable change in eating habits is another big warning sign of depression. While there are obviously a number of reasons why one might change their diet, big shifts in weight gain and/or weight loss typically signify a loss of interest in eating or a lackadaisical attitude towards making food. This symptom, in turn, can negatively impact a depression sufferer’s physical health.
3. Suddenly noticing an increase in the number of headaches, stomachaches and physical symptoms is another sign of depression. While depression in itself is a mental condition, it is often accompanied by a number of physical discomforts like headaches and stomachaches.
4. Constant fatigue or an inability to sleep is a big warning sign of depression. This can either come as a slight problem with sleeping enough to feel fully rested, or it can be full-blown insomnia. Waking up too early or constantly waking up during the night are other common signs of depression.
5. The biggest sign of depression is thoughts of suicide or hurting oneself. Unlike the other symptoms, which on their own can be indicators of a number of conditions, this particular symptom is very cut and dry.