There are several symptoms of depression one must watch out for, including a feeling of worthlessness, overwhelming guilt, withdrawal from social life, and difficulty in concentration, psychologist from University of Indonesia, Kasandra A. Putranto, has said.
“People with depression also lose their spirit, feel despair, and even worse, begin to think about death or wanting to commit suicide,” she told ANTARA on Friday.
People with depression not only suffer psychologically and socially, they also have physical symptoms such as fatigue, physical pain, psychomotor retardation, psychomotor agitation, too much or too little sleep, and weight loss, she informed.
Anyone can suffer from depression–children, teenagers, adults, and even the elderly, the psychologist pointed out.
Generally, people from different age groups experience similar symptoms of depression, but there are a few differences in how children and teenagers experience the phenomenon, she said.
“If mood swing in adults is marked by sadness, emptiness, and powerlessness, then for children and teenagers, it is shown with easily offended feelings,” she elaborated.
“In addition, children can also show symptoms such as physical complaints, sleep pattern disturbance, and uneasiness. Meanwhile, teenagers will show moodiness,” she said.
She advised people to immediately consult a psychologist or a psychiatrist if they experience trauma, have difficulty in managing emotions, cannot work or carry out their responsibilities effectively, have sleep pattern and appetite disturbance, have trouble waking up and maintaining relationships, are no longer enjoying pleasurable activities, and are even starting to use drugs or sex as a coping mechanism.
If these symptoms are seen in a loved one, then provide them support as a friend and encourage them to seek professional help, she added.
“In addition to being willing to become listeners, they should also help by identifying signs of depression and things that can make depression worse,” Putranto said.
“People with depression should also be monitored and watch out for suicide attempts that they may do. Do a preventive measure and seek professional help if there has been a suicide attempt,” she added.
Source: Antara News