5 Depression Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

It’s common to feel down in the dumps from time to time. However, if these feelings intensify or persist over weeks or months, it’s likely you have depression. Unfortunately, many people suffering from depression aren’t aware that they have it. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can vary greatly. To help you determine if you or your loved one is suffering from depression, here are 5 common signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Common Depression Symptoms

1. Loss of Interest

People suffering from clinical depression may lose interest in activities that once brought them pleasure, including spending time with friends and family, exercise, and hobbies.

2. Decreased Energy

It’s common to feel lethargic and tired most of the time during depression, which can make depression management that much harder. Although you may want to blame your exhaustion on your workload or lack of sleep, consider how your energy levels have changed over time. If you’re experiencing sleepiness during the day, it may be a side effect of certain medications used to treat depression. We recommend talking to your doctor, as they may be able to adjust your dosage to correct your fatigue.

3. Change in Appetite

In addition to losing interest in activities, it’s common for people with severe depression to lose interest in food. A depressed person may stop eating because they feel too tired to cook and prepare meals. Plus, they may no longer be concerned about their personal health and well-being. On the other hand, people may gain wait due to emotional eating. When people eat in response to their emotions, it improves mood by altering the chemical balance in the brain.

4. Aches and Pains

Not only does depression impact your emotional well-being, it can also take a toll on your physical health. In fact, physical pain is the first sign of depression for nearly 70% of people. Seek a qualified health care provider if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms for two weeks or more:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Upset stomach

Keep in mind that the pain may come and go or present itself in a variety of ways.

Call Lakeview Family Medicine for Your Customized Depression Treatment

If you find yourself struggling with depression, don’t be afraid to reach out to Lakeview Family Medicine in Utah. Schedule an appointment with us today so you can decide if our clinic is right for you.