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This Girl Shared A List Of 15 Warning Signs That Will Help You Recognize Someone Who Is Suffering From Depression
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This Girl Shared A List Of 15 Warning Signs That Will Help You Recognize Someone Who Is Suffering From Depression

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Depression is the most common mental disorder in the United States, affecting about 6.7% of the country’s population age 18 and older in a given year. According to the newest edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as DSM-5), some of the main symptoms of depression include diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities, slowing down of thought, reduction of physical movement, loss of energy, and feelings of worthlessness. A depressed person usually feels numb and isolated with a mind filled with all kinds of negative thoughts. And you can’t “snap out of it” or “look at things from a different perspective” because that’s not how mental disorders work.

One of the most common misunderstandings about depression is that this mental disorder is almost the same as sadness. And that’s absolutely not correct. Occasional sadness is an inevitable part of human existence. It visits us from time to time (usually after stressful or upsetting life events) and is a perfectly normal feeling that you sometimes simply can’t avoid. Though at times it might not feel like it, sadness can be a really valuable experience to a person, since it gives one some space to reflect and works as a reminder of what truly matters to them.

With depression, it’s a totally different thing. But the problem is, people tend to mix up these two words. A lot. In reality, these words refer to two absolutely different experiences. Depression is a serious mental disorder with long-lasting symptoms that can lead to serious health complications, including putting your own life at risk. Moreover, while sadness usually has a specific reason behind it, depressed individuals most of the time can’t even pinpoint the reason why they feel the way they do.

Another difficult thing about depression and other mental disorders as well is that they, a lot of the time, are pretty much invisible. A person struggling with depression from the outside can look perfectly normal. Despite that, if we’re paying enough attention to the ones around us, we can often tell if they’re not doing that great.

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More info: Twitter

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    Recently, Twitter user carolfrancescaa shared an important thread of warning signs that can possibly tell us that a person is struggling with depression

    Even though depression can have many faces, here are some of the signs we all should pay attention to

    Caz suggests that people struggling with depression can become quieter than usual, seem more tired, can lose their appetite, start spending a lot of time alone, start avoiding eye contact, and not show genuine positive emotions.

    Caz continues by adding that a depressed person can struggle to stay engaged in a conversation, become emotionally distant and apathetic, start experiencing big mood swings, and can seem to be avoiding making future plans.

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    Depressed individuals can also seem distracted, start talking less, and become much more irritable.

    Caz ends her thread by emphasizing that you should definitely talk to a person and ask them how they’re doing if you notice any of these signs

    Some Twitter users contributed by adding some more signs to the list

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    Some people shared their own experience living with this mental disorder

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    Julija Svidraitė

    Julija Svidraitė

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

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    Julija Svidraitė

    Julija Svidraitė

    Author, Community member

    Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

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    Shelby P
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've struggled with depression and anxiety all my life and the worst part for me is, people say they care and whatnot but when I really need support I am alone. All the people I know don't understand and they really get annoyed with me and/or avoid me with "here we go again" attitudes. So, I stay away from people whether I'm in a good place or not, because I don't want to see that. For me figuring out how to truly be self sufficient and be my own cheerleader and not care about the fake 'friends' is what helps me stay strong. I have absolutely no faith in others to truly care about me. And on some level I guess I must be a pretty awful person to be around especially when I'm felling my worst...

    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Talk to your Dr/therapist about this. Group therapy with people who get you can do as much, and sometimes more, than the best meds

    Load More Replies...
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who else has trouble/ a fear of leaving the house? Ps most of the symptoms above especially the house being in total chaos

    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is where some of us who are introverts have to be careful, it can cross a line. Usually when I get like this, I text friend or family and we schedule errands, meals and just getting together for a few days/weeks. I'm getting there again, and now is a very bad time for it. Also be aware that hoarding can also be a symptom of depression, which adds to chaos. I have to force myself to throw away the dumbest things and have a houseful of, for example, school supplies from when my daughter was in school. She graduated 2004.

    Load More Replies...
    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I JUST WANT YELL THANK YOU TO BP AND ALL COMMENTATORS!!!! I thought I was managing well til I read this article and the comments. I made an appointment with my Dr today. Apologies to anyone the following statement may offend, the sentiment is sincere. I thank Jehovah for all of you, you are gifts from him!

    Demongrrrrl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for you! "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Your journey will not be easy, and you will have setbacks, but never doubt that you are moving in the right direction.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    Shelby P
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've struggled with depression and anxiety all my life and the worst part for me is, people say they care and whatnot but when I really need support I am alone. All the people I know don't understand and they really get annoyed with me and/or avoid me with "here we go again" attitudes. So, I stay away from people whether I'm in a good place or not, because I don't want to see that. For me figuring out how to truly be self sufficient and be my own cheerleader and not care about the fake 'friends' is what helps me stay strong. I have absolutely no faith in others to truly care about me. And on some level I guess I must be a pretty awful person to be around especially when I'm felling my worst...

    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Talk to your Dr/therapist about this. Group therapy with people who get you can do as much, and sometimes more, than the best meds

    Load More Replies...
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who else has trouble/ a fear of leaving the house? Ps most of the symptoms above especially the house being in total chaos

    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is where some of us who are introverts have to be careful, it can cross a line. Usually when I get like this, I text friend or family and we schedule errands, meals and just getting together for a few days/weeks. I'm getting there again, and now is a very bad time for it. Also be aware that hoarding can also be a symptom of depression, which adds to chaos. I have to force myself to throw away the dumbest things and have a houseful of, for example, school supplies from when my daughter was in school. She graduated 2004.

    Load More Replies...
    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I JUST WANT YELL THANK YOU TO BP AND ALL COMMENTATORS!!!! I thought I was managing well til I read this article and the comments. I made an appointment with my Dr today. Apologies to anyone the following statement may offend, the sentiment is sincere. I thank Jehovah for all of you, you are gifts from him!

    Demongrrrrl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for you! "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Your journey will not be easy, and you will have setbacks, but never doubt that you are moving in the right direction.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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