It is understandable to not be happy or cheerful all the time and sadness, anxiety, and anger are all completely acceptable emotions. But, if there is no visible cause for negative emotions, yet they persist for a prolonged period. maybe, there is more to it than a simple mood swing. Depression is a result of a combination of biological and environmental factors and some are more prone to it than others. The symptoms of depression can affect people of any age including adults, adolescents, and children.

One suffering from this condition tends to lose interest in activities that they enjoyed so far, they fail to meet social commitments, and seem to not want to do anything. Feelings of bloatedness, lethargy, and hopelessness accompany these changes. People with depression may want to take drastic measures to deal with its symptoms, necessitating the presence of proper help or support systems in their life.

Before it gets to that stage, is there something a loved one can do or watch out for? This article is an effort to make you aware of various early warning signs of depression and causes of it.

Early warning signs of depression in women
As per studies, women are more prone to develop the symptoms of depression in comparison to men. Some of the main early warning signs of depression seen in women include irritability, anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, ruminating or dwelling on negative thoughts, etc. These signs are common in men as well. Further, there are certain types of depressing symptoms that are unique to females. These include postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Early warning signs of depression in men
According to various reports, more than 9% of men in the United States have feelings of depression or anxiety. Typically, men suffering from the symptoms of depression are more likely to be alcoholic, display anger, and engage in risk-taking activities. Some of the other symptoms of depression among males include avoiding families and social situations, working without a break, having difficulties keeping up with work and family responsibilities, and displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships. Some of these signs are seen in women too, as the condition makes it very easy to isolate oneself from others.

Signs of depression in students
Since the student life can be particularly stressful, taking into account peer pressure, the constant hormonal changes, and the need to keep up good grades, here is how one can make a note of if their teenager is displaying the early warning signs of depression. The symptoms include withdrawal from friends and family, difficulty in concentrating on schoolwork, feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless, and restlessness.

Certain people find it hard to cope with various other cultures, lifestyles, and experiences for the first time, and as a result, develop anxiety and depression. Some of the major early warning signs of depression among college students include difficulties in concentrating on schoolwork, insomnia, sleeping too much, a decrease or increase in appetite, avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy, etc.

There is no age group or particular demographic that depression definitively eludes but younger individuals and middle-aged women are more likely to develop it. There are multiple ways the condition can be treated and kept in control, but lending a ear in tough times, helping them see the brighter side of situations, and de-stigmatizing mental health conditions goes a long way in letting an individual know that help can be gotten if required. If you notice any of these symptoms in you or your dear ones, consult a psychiatrist immediately for professional help with the same.