Overcoming Depression: How to Recognize the Symptoms

Identifying the Symptoms of Depression Early Allows You to Begin Beating It Effectively

Are you, or do you know someone living with depression? Are you finding that the simplest tasks are becoming very difficult? You’re not alone, and we want to spread awareness to those who don’t quite know the ins and outs about depression. In this article, we listen to the experts, especially the ones being affected. Listen, learn and respect.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

“Living with depression is like living with a 40-ton weight on your chest — you want to get up and move, but you just feel like you can’t.”

– David J. Psychcentral

There is a very moving YouTube video about someone with depression and honestly, it pulls at the heart strings (see video below). It makes you stop and think about people around you who may be going through such an episode in their life.

This Shall Pass

While suffering or coming out of depression you may think it’s like a lifetime wasted. There are multiple forms of depression, some which last a couple of weeks to a month or years to some extents, but it will pass.

If you take your medication on time and stick to a routine (depending on your diagnoses) this will greatly help to minimalise the effects of depression.

As a spouse, friend or family member it is important for you to also keep an eye on the medications, because often or not when suffering depression, they’ll have no motivation or drive to keep on top of their medications, as all forms of routine and best practice are thrown out the window. Be their second medication reminder, as soon as you get the alert through the pill reminder app.

Depression can start to cause all sorts of problems in relationships, so avoid simply saying “snap out of it”. Depression often needs medical treatment, so, if you let depression go untreated, this will often prolong the episode.

Hold the space for your loved one, let them know you love and support them unconditionally. The support they’ll feel is expressed perfectly in the following quote:

“I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time. I’ve spoken out because I think it’s important that people ask for help if they’re going through a rough time and get the proper treatment to help their recovery.”

– Ant McPartlin NME

Before getting wildly lost in concern over the thoughts of depression for the people closest to you. Take a moment and wander your eyes over understanding depression symptoms below.

Understanding depression symptoms according to the National Institute of Medical Health NIMH:

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies which were once pleasurable
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Suicide attempts

Important: Be aware of these symptoms before it’s too late, take your time to fully acknowledge and listen to those around you and support where necessary.

Start strong, download our app and be their personal medication tracker and pill reminder.

Every little helps

For more information on this topic, please see related articles below the video!


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overcome depression with mytherapy symptom and well-being trackers

Recognize the symptoms. Overcome depression.

MyTherapy’s well-being and symptom trackers allow you to recognize the signs of depression, and your progress in overcoming them. Combined with medication and activity reminders, a monthly health report, and the ability to connect with friends and family, it is the perfect app for beating depression.