Mental Health
By: Shivangi Javkar
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⪢ One of the common signs of depression is experiencing persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. ⪢ You might lose interest in activities you once enjoyed and have trouble finding joy in things that used to bring you pleasure.
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⪢ Anxiety often manifests as excessive worry about everyday activities or events. ⪢ You may find it challenging to control your fears and feel constantly on edge, leading to physical symptoms like restlessness and muscle tension.
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⪢ Both depression and anxiety can disrupt your sleep. You may struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience early morning awakening. ⪢ On the other hand, you might find yourself sleeping excessively as a way to escape from emotional pain.
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⪢ Feeling constantly tired or having a lack of energy can be indicators of underlying mental health issues. ⪢ Depression can leave you physically and emotionally drained, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
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⪢ Struggling to focus, make decisions, or remember things could be a sign of depression or anxiety. ⪢ These mental health issues can affect your cognitive abilities and impair your daily functioning.
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⪢ Depression might lead to a loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. ⪢ Anxiety can sometimes cause emotional eating and weight gain due to stress-related behaviors.
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⪢ If you find yourself avoiding social interactions and isolating from friends or family, it could be a sign of depression. ⪢ Anxiety may also contribute to this withdrawal due to the fear of being judged or criticized.
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⪢ People with depression may experience unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, back pain, or stomach problems. ⪢ Anxiety can result in physical symptoms like tension, headaches and gastrointestinal issues.
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⪢ Negative self-talk and feelings of guilt or worthlessness are common symptoms of depression. ⪢ You might excessively blame yourself for things beyond your control or feel like you're a burden to others.
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⪢ In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. ⪢ If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, seek immediate help from a mental health professional or a helpline.
Remember, experiencing one or more of these signs doesn't automatically mean you have depression or anxiety. However, if you notice several of these symptoms persisting for an extended period and impacting your daily life, it's crucial to reach out to a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and support. Mental health is essential, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.