Early Warning Signs of Depression: What to Look Out For

As humans, our mental health can be fragile at times, and things can quickly go from bad to worse. When it comes to noticing ourselves or our loved ones experiencing depression, it can often be difficult to tell the difference between a simple low mood and diagnosable depression.

That’s why it’s important to understand the early warning signs of depression, so that we can get the right help as soon as possible.

Here, Australia’s leaders in telehealth at Medmate outline the early warning signs of depression and how we can help.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest in major aspects of one’s life – even things one typically enjoys. It’s also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder, and it affects our feelings, thoughts and behaviours. A variety of emotional and physical issues can arise from depression. Patients may experience difficulty doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes may not feel like life is worth living.

Early warning signs of depression

Spotting the early warning signs of depression is important, as this allows us to manage and treat the illness before it progresses. Depression isn’t something one can ‘snap out of’ and it’s more than just a case of the blues. Here are some of the common warning signs of depression

Outlook of hopelessness
People experiencing depression often display an outlook of hopeless, as though nothing will get better and there’s no use in trying to improve their situation.

Persistent sadness
If feelings of sadness are lasting more than a few days, this could be an early symptom of depression. Generally, depression is considered a constant, intense low mood for longer than 14 days.

Loss of interest in daily activities
A loss of interest may also signify depression. People with depression might not be interested in their usual hobbies, pastimes, social circle and sex. They may also affect daily hygiene habits such as showering, brushing teeth and shaving.

Outbursts of anger
Sudden outbursts of anger is a common early sign of depression in men. This includes short tempers and general irritability.

Fatigue
It’s very common for people experiencing depression to excuse their feelings for ‘tiredness’ or ‘lack of sleep’. While their fatigue may be genuine, it may also be a symptom of depression.

How to seek help for depression

Seek the right help for depression starts with contacting Medmate. Though it may feel uncomfortable or unnatural, speaking with a doctor who can recommend treatments, as well as refer you to a psychologist, is a great start. With Medmate’s team of empathetic and non-judgemental professionals, we make reaching out easy.

Medmate can help you curb the early warning signs of depression. Our team of doctors and psychologists are dedicated to helping people get the treatment they need. Our team of telehealth professionals is with you every step of the way. Book a telehealth consultation with one of our doctors today and start feeling your normal self again.