7 Signs That Your Depression Is Returning--And What to Do About It

[littlemissmartypants]

7 Signs That Your Depression Is Returning—And What to Do About It
BY Alexi Doan
AUGUST 27, 2018

Depression usually signals its re-arrival with a selection of ‘warning’ symptoms. Here are seven to look out for, and what to do when you spot them:

1) Fatigue
When a pile of dirty dishes has sat in your sink for days (even weeks) and the work-day feels more like a work-decade, it could mean that depression is sneaking back in.
2) Sleep changes:
Depression has the ability to drastically alter sleep, and turn early birds into night owls (and vice versa). If you notice you’re getting too much, or too little, take note.
3) Loss of interest:
When partaking in day-to-day simple pleasures– walking your dog, pursuing your passions knitting, reading, kayaking, spending time with family—becomes a chore, depression is likely the culprit.
4) Irrational feelings of guilt:
Depression often causes immense feelings of guilt—and can make you believe you aren’t doing enough, or are not enough. The seemingly endless cycle of depression and guilt is self-feeding and malicious. If this is what you are experiencing, remember: guilt is a symptom of depression, it’s not you.
5) Changes in appetite:
Have you been eating more than usual, or does food just seem inedible? Both are signs of depression.
6) Irritability & agitation:
Depression doesn’t just make you sad; it can also make you angry. When things you normally brush off get under your skin—causing angry outbursts that wreak havoc on relationships— note that it’s likely because of depression.
7) Unexplainable physical pain:
Depression causes both emotional AND physical pain. Be on the lookout for body aches of all shapes and sizes—migraines, back pain, stomachaches— or intense flare-ups in your chronic conditions.

Don’t wait! Getting help is time sensitive

When these 7 ‘signs’ of depression get in the way of your ability to function in daily life, it’s time to reach out for help. Reoccurrences of depression are both common and treatable when they are proactively addressed. However, the longer the symptoms loom, the worse depression gets. Here are a few ways you can address a relapse in depression:

~Talk to a trusted family member or friend let them know how you are feeling.
~Record all of the symptoms—both mental AND physical—you are experiencing.
~Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms (bring your list with you!)
~Visit a therapist for talk therapy – an important tool find solutions and coping with feelings and problems.

~Finis~

https://www.hopetocope.com/7-signs-that-your-depression-is-returning-and-what-to-do-about-it/

[CentralMass]

1. 7 of 7.

[littlemissmartypants]

4. I hope you don't let them loom too long, CentralMass. ❤

Take care of yourself.

[Siwsan]

2. I remember those body aches all too well.

When I was working in a very toxic environment, AND dealing with the fatal illnesses of my mom and sister, I'd wake up (during the few (3 to4) hours I slept) with the most aching pain throughout my torso. Sometimes I'd get up and take a hot, hot shower, hoping to be able to relax.

Step by step, bit by bit, I'm getting better with most symptoms of depression, but that survivor guilt will probably follow me to my grave. It's one of those things you can talk about until you are blue in the face, but people just never understand.

[littlemissmartypants]

3. Stay Encouraged, Siwsan. ❤

[Siwsan]

5. Thanks. I focus on that, every day.

My niece is moving back to Michigan. She's my late sister's daughter. I was the one who stood with her at her wedding and I'll be the one with her when she starts her family. It shouldn't be me. It should be my sister. That's a hard "privilege" to bear.

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. Thank you for this.

I recognized especially the pain symptoms, and how hard it is to stop and think about the daily pains, esp. when you are aging and pains, clouded thinking. sleep/appetite changes are thought to be normal.

worse yet. most docs only recognize an organic cause for pain, insomnia, etc and respond by giving the wrong medicine, so to speak.

[littlemissmartypants]

7. Excellent points. ❤

Especially the pain management point. I think this is a case where a person who has (psychotropic) depression pain could end up being over medicated if put on meds for (physiological) physical pain in combination with medicine for depression, anxiety or mood stabilization depending on the medical diagnosis.

[Delmette2.0]

8. The last two years have been rough for me.

I thought my apathy for so much was my only sign of depression. I think I have hit on 1 thru 5 on the list.
I'm much better now, but wow! I didn't realize how much I changed.

Thank you for posting this much needed article.

[littlemissmartypants]

9. You're welcome, Delmette2.0. ❤

I am happy to hear that you are feeling better.