Every time you log in to different social media applications like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you’ll always come across with sad posts, depressed people, suicidal thoughts and a lot more in your timeline.
Depression is known to be the number one cause of suicide in the Philippines, with 3.29 million number of Filipinos experiencing it. It’s no wonder why the Mental Health Law was decreed.
The good news is that depression hard to acquire but the bad news is that it’s difficult to have someone special in your life battling it. Which is why we need to be more sensitive on how we speak, approach and influence others.
How can you tell if you or someone’s depressed?
These symptoms must be experienced by the person in two weeks or longer:
1. Decreased interest in pleasurable activities once enjoyed
Depressed people usually loses interest in activities that are fun and enjoyable. They tend to decrease their social interactions with others and try not to engage in any physical activities.
2. Fatigue
People with depression tends to be tired all the time even when they do not engage in any activities. They always feel exhausted or extremely tired.
3. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Worthlessness and guilt is common in people who are experiencing depression. They tend to always blame their selves in situations that no one needs to be blamed. Most of the time they lose their sense of value which may lead to self-harm if not treated.
4. Weight or appetite changes
Diet changes when a person is depressed, they tend to avoid eating or overeat. Emotions affect our appetite like for example when we are sad we crave for our comfort foods such as sweets, desserts and chocolates. Which may cause for sudden weight gain or loss.
5. Insomnia or hypersomnia
Sleeping pattern changes for a person experiencing depression, troubles of sleep may occur during the night which results to insomnia and oversleeping may also be a by-product of depression.
6. Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide
A person with depression tends to be pessimistic which is why they drown themselves in thoughts of death and suicide. They no longer see hope in life which causes them to end it.
Good news? Depression is highly treatable, so if you think you have all these symptoms get help and consult to your guidance counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist. Always remember that it’s okay to not be okay, and ask help soonest possible.
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