What are 5 Common Signs of Depression?

Depression is a very common mental health condition, which affects the way we think, feel and behave. While it is possible to feel depressed from time to time, chronic depression is a sign of a more serious mental health condition. 

Given how common it is, recognising the signs early can empower us to seek support early. This approach fosters hope and reassurance for everyone who struggles with their mental health and encourages us to take action before problems worsen. 

In this post, we’ll discuss what it is and provide a brief overview of the causes. We’ll also talk about the most common signs of depression and how to address them.

What is depression?

Depression, or depressive disorder, involves a depressed mood and loss of interest in activities that a person may have previously enjoyed, according to the World Health Organisation.

Depression may be commonly confused with sadness. However, while there may be an overlap between sadness and depression, sadness is a temporary emotional experience. In contrast, depression is a more long-term condition, and impairs mental and physical functioning (and requires professional support to manage).

Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the difference between mood fluctuations and a diagnosable disorder, which affects not only the way you think and behave, but can also affect you on a physical level. There are also various types of depression, which medical professionals can evaluate according to psychiatric criteria. 

Sadly, many people hide their symptoms due to stigma or a fear of being rejected or losing their jobs, or for fear of being seen as weak. In South Africa, many factors limit the accessibility of mental health support services, so it is crucial to build more awareness about mental health, to break down stigma, identify the signs early on and ensure early intervention.

What causes depression?

Depression is complex, but to give a brief overview and to put it into context, there are both internal and external causes. The internal causes include the following biological factors, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Physical brain changes and brain chemistry: These elements contribute to the manifestation of depression, including the role of neurotransmitters in managing mood stability.
• Hormone fluctuations: Hormones can also contribute, especially during and after pregnancy, as well as due to impaired thyroid function. 
• Genetic factors: Epigenetics also plays a role, as you are more likely to develop a mental health disorder if it runs in your family. 

External factors can also trigger depression, such as experiencing hardship and trauma, as well as socio-economic stress, which is especially prevalent in South Africa. 

Regardless of whether the causes are internal or external, or a combination of both, the duration of a depressive episode depends on the individual and on how they are able to deal with the symptoms, which we’ll discuss further in the next point.

5 common signs of depression

While depression and its causes may be complex, many behavioural signs can highlight changes in a person’s mental health. Below are some of the most common indicators that a person might be struggling with this mental health condition:

1. Persistent sadness

As touched on below, there is a difference between a depressive disorder and sadness. However, if a person experiences a lingering feeling of sadness and emptiness, and it starts to affect their overall outlook on life, they may be experiencing depression.

2. Loss of interest in activities

Another common indicator is people losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. If you notice a loved one isolating themselves or withdrawing from social activities, gently encourage them to seek support and offer to accompany them to a professional or support service.

Changes in sleep patterns

Changes in sleep patterns can highlight a potential depressive disorder, with people either struggling to sleep with insomnia or sleeping too much. Either way, a person struggling with sleep problems can experience fatigue, which can worsen feelings of hopelessness.

4. Fatigue and low energy

Even when people with depression don’t struggle to sleep, they can still feel drained and fatigued. If feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts occur, it’s critical to seek support immediately, as these symptoms can worsen quickly and require urgent intervention.

5. Difficulty concentrating

While the unfortunate stigma around mental health expects people to just “snap out of it”, depression has a real effect on executive functioning, which means that it can be difficult to focus, remember things and make decisions. This type of “brain fog” can affect various areas of a person’s life, including academic and job performance, as well as the ability to engage in everyday conversation.

How do I address depression symptoms?

The reality of depression and many other mental health challenges is that there is no quick fix. However, by making lifestyle changes, you may be able to help yourself feel better. As the WHO article mentioned above shares, these changes include:

• Taking part in activities you enjoy 
• Exercising regularly 
• Spending time with friends and family
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol
• Sharing your feelings with someone you trust 
• Seeking help from a mental health professional

Overall, taking a holistic approach is an effective way to not only manage depression, but to improve your overall mental wellbeing, which you can learn more about in SACAP Global’s short online course: Holistic Approach to Managing Depression.

Mental Health Support

If you’re urgently looking for support, read our blog post about mental health care resources in South Africa, or contact one of the following organisations: 

• Cipla Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789
• LifeLine South Africa National Counselling: 0861 322 322 
• SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567