9 keys to identify a depression

We all feel sad at some point; when we go through some difficulty such as a break in the relationship, economic difficulties, unresolved conflicts, or the death of a loved one dear, we often feel down, irritable, nervous, have difficulty sleeping or sleep too much, feel apathy or listlessness, etc. But these alterations usually last a few days or weeks, generally.

The problem is when these symptoms persist over time for weeks or even months. In this sense, it is important know the keys to identify depression.

• Related article: "The 6 Types of Mood Disorders"

What makes me more susceptible to depression?

Depression is a serious illness that affects both our self-esteem and the way we perceive world or the future and a deterioration appears in the spheres of life, both personally, at work and family. Approximately 15% of the population in Spain suffers from depression.

Next we will see what aspects make us especially vulnerable to developing this pathology.

1. Genetic factors

Having a history of relatives who have suffered or suffer from depression

It can be a predisposing factor for depression. Although there are genetic factors that can be inherited, they are not decisive.

2. Personality traits

There are certain personality traits that are risk factors to develop depression, such as rigidity, lack of emotional expression, with higher levels of anxiety and high self-demand mainly.

• You may be interested: "The Major Theories of Personality"

3. Gender

Depression is more common in women than in men, although the highest rate of suicide is four times higher in men than in women.

4. Thinking/Coping Styles

People with an absence of adequate coping strategies and with a more pessimistic, who minimizes achievements and has a tendency to maximize problems, is more likely to suffer depression.

5. Chronic diseases

Having a chronic illness increase dependency on others, and insecurity is a risk factor.

• Related article: "Health Psychology: history, definition and fields of application"

6. Stress and stressful life events

Without the proper strategies to manage it, they can trigger depressive symptoms.

7. physical illnesses

can create physical and mental limitations, affecting self-esteem and confidence.

• You may be interested: "Types of stress and their triggers"

What symptoms appear when suffering from depression?

These are the symptoms that allow us to identify a clinical depression.

1. Sadness

It shows itself in a more intense way than when we have a problem. It is a persistent feeling of emptiness, fear and loss. In moderate or severe cases, it is usually more intense in the morning with a decrease throughout the day, without disappearing.

2. Anhedonia

The anhedonia is the inability to enjoy usual activities or life, even activities that in previous moments were pleasant for the person, stop seeming so. The person appreciates that there is nothing that gives him pleasure.

3. Anxiety

can be produced an increase in anxiety because people remain in an alert situation.

• Related article: "What is anxiety: how to recognize it and what to do"

4. emotional emptiness

Some people feel as if they have no emotions or even feel unable to cry.

5. depressive thought

Cognitive distortions usually occur, such as filtering, where the person tends to see the negative side of the situation without perceiving the whole of it or seeing its positive side.

6. concentration and memory problems

Mainly, it is reflected in a tendency to indecision and lack of attention.

7. delusions and hallucinations

There may be a process of clear break with reality that makes it very difficult to connect with the rest of society and seek professional help.

• You may be interested: "Deliriums: what they are, types and differences with hallucinations"

8. Suicidal impulses or ideation

This is one of the aspects of depression that makes this pathology a very dangerous disorder.

9. physical symptoms

Since sleep problems, physical and mental slowness, loss or increase in appetite and weight, pain both in the head and in the arms and legs or other parts of the body, even sexual problems.

What is there to do?

Depression, if not treated, tends to become chronic. That is why if you identify that you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should go to a professional to help you overcome difficulties, thus improving your mood and self-confidence same.

From the center Blanca Esther Psychology, we will be happy to help you.