How to recognize depression? 

Appetite and weight changes

• Eating too much or too little. Some people turn to food for comfort, while others lose their appetite or eat less due to low mood. These changes in food intake can cause a person to gain or lose weight. They can also affect mood and energy levels.

Changes in sleep habits

• There is a strong connection between mood and sleep. A lack of sleep can contribute to depression, and depression can make it more difficult to sleep.

Alcohol or drug use

• Some people with mood disorders may use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with negative emotions, such as sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness.

Fatigue

• Feeling excessively tired is a very common symptom of depression. Some research suggests that more than 90% of people with depression experience fatigue.

Loss of concentration

• When a person trails off during conversations or loses their train of thought, this can indicate issues with memory and concentration. Such issues are common symptoms of depression.

If you believe you have depression and would like to make an appointment, call A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry, at 847-268-3908 or make an appointment online today, for expert, multidisciplinary treatment for depression.