Incidences of suicide committed by students and teenagers are on a rise and it's high time now that parents start getting concerned about the mental health of their children as much as they are concerned about their child's studies and career. If depression in identified and treated in early stages, many precious lives can be saved. Read on to find the symptoms of depression.
Typical Symptoms of Depression
Though most of the time features of depression develop gradually; however, in case of sudden grief such as due to loss of a loved one or failures, depressive symptoms may appear in a short time. Typical symptoms presented by a patient of depression are:
1. Persistent sad mood
Patient feels sad most of the time, almost daily. He or she may have a frequent desire to weep and sometimes may start crying uncontrollably.
2. Loss of interest in activities which he enjoyed before
Patient is unable to enjoy or feel pleasure in anything including the activities which he liked before. Even happy events like parties or good news does not make him feel like smiling. Nothing seems pleasurable to him.
3. Easily tired and less active
There is a feeling of lack of energy. Even normal activities of the day like bathing and eating make him feel tired and he wants to postpone them.
4. Inability to concentrate and forgetfulness
A student is not able to concentrate on his studies. He or she becomes forgetful. For example he may forget to pick the articles from the shop after purchasing them or may often forget where he kept his bike's key.
5. Reduced confidence in self and lowered self-esteem
Patient loses all confidence in him and feels that he won't be able to achieve anything in life. He may start to doubt his ability to succeed in exams or interview.
6. Feeling of guilt
A depressed individual may start blaming himself for all the problems he or his family members are facing. Feels he is of no value and is a burden to others. Some may also attribute their grievances to the sins they committed in the past lives.
7. Hopeless regarding future
Patient tends to think negative and becomes hopeless regarding future. He has a fear of failure and does not want to start anything new because of that.
8. Suicidal thoughts
Patient finds life not worth living. He starts thinking about ending his life. Thinks about various ways in which he could end his life.
9. Disturbed sleep
Patient may have a difficulty in getting to sleep or may wake up in the middle of night or early in the morning. Some may also have increased sleepiness.
10. Loss of appetite and weight
Most of the patients have reduced appetite and lose weight gradually. However, some may have an increased appetite.
