Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.

It is a constant unhappy, hopeless feeling. It affects how one feels, acts, thinks, and behaves and it can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

It has several different and unique triggers among people. Some triggers include the loss of a loved one, illness, the end of a relationship, etc. Depression can manifest through weight loss or diet changes, insomnia, or too much sleep.

1LACK OF HOPE

Your normal outlook on life is negatively affected by the sudden feeling of hopelessness. The prospects of life, in general, are greatly affected. It's a common sign of depression. These feelings are at times accompanied by guilt, worthlessness, or self-hate and loath. Most victims feel guilt for their state of mind and the emotions that come with it like anger.

The roller coaster of meta-emotions where guilt becomes the counter emotion for your initial emotions like anger or sadness becomes a constant pull to a darker pit. For example, feeling too excited about a small thing in front of your colleagues and then immediately feeling embarrassed about it, immediately takes one to a sad state. Common expressions of hopelessness and helplessness include; "It's my fault," "I should have done better" or " there's no point in it all."

2ANXIETY

Anxiety comes in different ways and affects the population. That feeling of dread, consistent fear that does not go away or worsens can be linked with anxiety. It's your body's natural way to respond to stress ie engaging in activities out of your comfort zone like jumping off a cliff.

Anxiety becomes a medical concern if it persists for more than six months. If they are intense and debilitating or if it's affecting your normal daily routine. Signs of anxiety like nervousness, restlessness or intense feelings, panic or dread, and trouble focusing or thinking are all linked to depression. Treating depression will require treating anxiety first.

3SHIFT IN APPETITE

Weight and appetite can fluctuate for people with depression. People are different some are more prone to increased appetite leading to weight gain and others lose appetite resulting in weight loss.

Weight gain is caused by a loss of interest to do anything including physical activities and poor choice of foods. The other end is weight loss due to a lack of appetite and increased metabolism due to increased stress levels. Increased metabolism speeds are the calorie-burning process. Weight shift should not be confused with an intentional change in either direction. Unintentional changes depression. Sudden and extreme weight loss or gain can be a risk to your health.

4SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOR

Most suicide cases show symptoms first. Often they talk about attempting to take their lives or joke about suicidal attempts before attempting. It may fail the first time but will succeed eventually. Depressed minds often perspective and at times and seek a permanent solution to the intense pain. Suicidal thoughts and behavior relating to ending one's own life indicate a depressed mind. Signs of suicidal behavior;

• Increased or sudden use of alcohol and drugs.
• Uncontrolled anger, aggressive behaviors, rage, etc.
• Impulsive and reckless actions.
• Talk, threats about ending their lives.
• Social withdrawal from friends, family, and colleagues.

5INSOMNIA OR TOO MUCH SLEEP

Unstable sleeping patterns have effects on your health. They are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Depressed individuals do not feel the need to wake up and engaged in their daily activities. Lack of sleep due to too much stress affects people suffering from depression. Insomnia and depression are two sides of the same coin because people suffering from insomnia are more prone to depression.

It's found out that poor sleep may create complications regulating emotions that leave most vulnerable to depression. Daily recurrence of depression episodes due to daily problems in our lives for example financial problems may lead to more nighttime wake-ups and more trouble going back to sleep than people with less daily depression.

6LACK OF CONCENTRATION

Normal individuals should be present, and able to understand and respond to conversations. When a person loses concentration easily, trails off, and loses their thought line, may indicate depression especially if they have other signs of depression.

If you or anyone close to you is experiencing any of the signs of depression, they should seek help immediately. If you suspect someone close to you is depressed, ask the tough questions and encourage them to get help. There are many helplines and even local authorities will give guidance.