Discover the 10 essential signs to recognize it and act – L’Express

Discover the 10 essential signs to recognize it and act

Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% Adults are suffering from it, a constantly increasing figure for several years. In France, near 12.5% Adults are experiencing a depressive episode during their lifetime, and this phenomenon particularly affects young adults. Despite its high prevalence, it is often difficult to distinguish signs of depression of a simple vacuum. To help you identify this disorder before it seriously affects your daily life, here are the ten most characteristic symptoms.

1. A deep and persistent sadness

Unlike a simple blues, depression is in the durability. It translates into a deep sadness and omnipresent, which is not just temporary. This form of discomfort ends up invading every aspect of daily life and making all activity, even the simplest, heavy to accomplish.

Depression: when sadness becomes a weight of everyday life.

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2. A loss of interest in daily pleasures

The little joys of life, which once brought satisfaction, now seem insignificant. What was a pleasant hobby becomes an insipid chore, and the inability to find pleasure in the usually appreciated activities is a precursor sign of depression.

3. Eating disorders

Depression also impacts food: some lose their appetite, while others turn to food as an emotional refuge. These Food variations Can cause notable weight changes, a sign that the mental influences the physique directly.

Read also: Food against depression and anxiety? Scientific truth about psychonutrition

4. Sleep disturbances

THE sleep disturbances are among the most common symptoms of depression. The inability to fall asleep, frequent night awakenings or, on the contrary, a sleep excessive Who does not seem restful are all signals not to ignore. Bad sleep considerably alters the general well-being and nourishes the depressive spiral.

When sleep becomes a fight: insomnia, night awakenings or persistent fatigue ... Sleep disorders are often a reflection of deeper discomfort.

When sleep becomes a fight: insomnia, night awakenings or persistent fatigue … Sleep disorders are often a reflection of deeper discomfort.

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5. Changes in daily habits

There fatiguesometimes inexplicable, can make the tasks of daily life difficult, such as getting up in the morning or performing normal activities. It goes beyond simple laziness: each gesture becomes an exhausting effort, and getting out of home may seem insurmountable.

6. Cognitive difficulties: a mental slowdown

When depression strikes, the ability to think clearly can be seriously affected. Concentration becomes difficult, decision -making get complicated and it becomes more and more difficult to perform even the simplest tasks. This mental slowdown is often linked to fatigue and disturbances in cognitive processes.

Depression and cognition: When the mind slows down, each decision becomes a challenge.

Depression and cognition: When the mind slows down, each decision becomes a challenge.

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7. Loss of self -esteem and feelings of guilt

One of the characteristics of depression is the emergence of a feeling of devaluation. People affected by depression tend to feel guilty, incapable, even unworthy of a fulfilled life. This lack of self -confidence is often accompanied by a feeling of isolation, making it difficult to search for help.

8. Black ideas and suicidal thoughts

THE black thoughtsmuch more serious than those linked to a passing blues stroke, can surface. It is not only a question of feeling sad, but of seriously thinking that life is no longer worth it. It is crucial to take these thoughts seriously and to consult a professional without delay.

Read also: Depression, suicidal ideas … The disturbing degradation of the mental health of young people in 2024

9. Unexplained fatigue: a constant weight

There fatigue extreme is one of the most destabilizing symptoms of depression. Even after a night’s sleep, the feeling of never being rested persists. Depression imposes a mental and physical burden that makes each movement, each thought, heavier and more difficult to bear.

10. Physical manifestations: pain and discomfort

It is frequent that depression is manifested in the form of physical symptomsoften ignored or attributed to other causes. Headaches, muscle pain, digestive disorders … These body signs can be reflections in deep psychological distress, and it is important not to neglect them.

Treat depression: beyond antidepressants

Although antidepressants can offer relief of symptoms, they do not always solve the underlying cause of depression. Therapy, whether Behavioral, cognitive Or psychoanalyticis essential to understand the origin of discomfort and prevent relapses. Asking for help, recognizing signs and starting therapeutic follow -up are the first stages towards healing.

How to take care of yourself: the first steps towards healing

Raising depression requires time, support and efforts. Talk to his loved ones, consult a professional And take care of your body and mind are keys to getting out of the tunnel. Support and suitable care make it possible to gradually regain sustainable well-being.

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