Depression’s Subtle Warning Signs

While mental health is at the forefront of discussion in the United States because of the current climate, people often fail to notice the most subtle signs of diagnosis and do not seek appropriate treatment in a timely fashion. The symptoms of depression or other common mental health issues may be readily apparent to an expert, but the average person may ignore them or not even realize their presence. 

Depression can shift from mild to clinically severe without proper treatment. People of any age may suffer from depression, but it is most prevalent for individuals ages 18 to 45. It can greatly impact life functions and make sufferers unable to work.

The Difference Between Sadness and Depression

A common misconception about depression is that it is the same as sadness. Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone will experience at some point in their lives. When you are sad, there is almost always a rational reason that leads to your sadness. In the case of depression, however, there is not always an obvious reason why the individual suffers. Some people who experience depression lose the capability to reason with themselves or others, making it increasingly difficult to recover. 

Sadness or sorrow pass, usually within two weeks, based on how the human brain handles emotions and the emotional trigger. The amount of time it takes to recede will vary for each individual depending on their capability to process emotions and experiences. However, when an individual is depressed, the symptoms often linger for much longer and get more severe as time passes. There are even circumstances that may lead an individual to apply for disability benefits for depression.  

These are some of the signs that may indicate a depression-related disability:

• Decreased interest in daily life activities. One of the first signs of depression is often when a person begins to lose interest in their daily life activities. Even if a person was passionate about a hobby or activity, they may lose interest in that, as well. 

• Hopeless outlook on life. An individual who is depressed may feel hopeless about previous short- and long-term life goals toward which they were working, such as career objectives, family relationships, and educational pursuits. 

• Extreme feelings of guilt. Depressed people tend to feel exceedingly guilty for both important and inconsequential things in their lives, even if there is no connection between their actions and the thing over which they feel guilt. 

• Debilitating anxiety. People who are depressed may become agitated and experience anxiety even in seemingly stress-free situation. This can prevent them from socializing, working, or leading a normal life. 

• Eating and sleeping disorders. Some depressed individuals experience eating and sleeping disorders. When there is an eating disorder, the individual may eat excessively or lose interest in even their favorite foods. When there is a sleeping disorder, the person may sleep excessively or be unable to sleep, causing them to suffer from insomnia. 

• Suicidal tendencies. A depressed individual’s unstable emotions may cause them to have thoughts of hurting or killing themselves. This is one of the most severe and dangerous symptoms of depression.

Steps for Managing Depression

If you or someone you care about may be suffering from depression, the first thing to do is recognize the signs and identify whether the individual is a danger to themselves or others. Consider reaching out for family support or providing the individual with the emotional support they need. Family and friends can play a significant role in the recovery process. If the symptoms progress, it is important to seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. This may be a social worker, a mental health nonprofit organization, a reputable psychologist, or an experienced psychiatrist. It is important to act quickly and ensure the individual suffering from depression gets the help they need.

When a diagnosis of severe depressive disorder hampers a person’s ability to perform the tasks of daily life or has led to substance dependency, the road to recovery may require time, effort, and expenses. There are several long-term therapies and treatments that can be effective for individuals who are severely depressed.

Especially in cases when the depressed individual is no longer able to make a living because of their diagnosis, contact Khattar Law, LLC’s reliable Social Security lawyers in San Antonio. The law firm’s experienced Social Security disability benefits lawyers can help you with appropriate and immediate legal assistance regarding the diagnosis.