Loss of energy and constant tiredness are signs of depression

Loss of energy, unwillingness to perform activities that gave pleasure and constant fatigue may indicate depression. In addition, weight loss can occur without apparent reason and difficulty in sleeping, because there is a decrease in serotonin, which is the hormone of pleasure and well-being.
Usually, signs of depression are present for more than 2 weeks, being necessary to go to the psychiatrist to start treatment and cure the disease.
In most cases, it is necessary to take antidepressants, anxiolytics and do psychotherapy sessions with a psychologist to recover and avoid relapses.

Symptoms of depression

The main signs that may indicate depression include:

1. Loss of energy and constant tiredness

Loss of energy and disinterest in activities that were once interesting and enjoyable may indicate depression. In addition, lack of motivation to cook, work or socialize with friends are also present due to constant tiredness.

2. Feeling of deep sadness

The feeling of exaggerated deep sadness for the situation manifests itself through a sad face, drooping eyes, lackluster and curved trunk. Crying crises often occur, with pessimism, guilt, and low self-esteem prevailing.
In addition, due to low self-esteem, it is normal to have a sense of worthlessness and, therefore, to isolate oneself from friends and family, and in more serious cases, when one loses hope it is normal to think of suicide.

3. Irritability or slowness

Due to deep sadness it is common to manifest irritability, anger and anxiety attacks, causing symptoms such as tremors, screams and sweating exaggeratedly.
However, at times due to frequent tiredness and sadness, there may be lentication that affects heaviness and speech.
In addition, there may be difficulty concentrating and memory loss, with moments of enormous deconcentration that affects work and school.

4. Pain in the body

Depression can cause headaches due to poor sleep and mood swings. In addition, there may be a feeling of tightness in the chest and weight in the legs.
Hair loss, weak nails, swollen legs, and back and stomach pain, as well as vomiting and tremors, are sometimes common side effects of medications to treat depression.

5. Sleep problems and weight changes

It is normal to present insomnia, especially waking up at dawn and not falling asleep again, waking up with a lot of tiredness and malaise.
In addition, another physical symptom of depression is loss of more than 5% of body weight for no apparent reason. In some cases, weight gain may occur, manifesting a particular desire to eat sweets.

How is depression diagnosed?

To diagnose depression, which is often confused with sadness, it is necessary to have at least 5 different symptoms that indicate depression for at least 2 weeks. The diagnosis is made by the psychiatrist who needs to talk to the patient and the family. The physician should also indicate the severity of the depression, according to the following characteristics:
Depression Mild - when it presents 2 main symptoms and 2 secondary symptoms;
Moderate depression - when it presents 2 main symptoms and 3 to 4 secondary symptoms;
Severe Depression - when you have 3 major symptoms and more than 4 minor symptoms.
After diagnosis the treatment is appropriate to the severity of the depression that the person presents.

Treatment for depression

Treatment for depression can be done with the ingestion of antidepressants such as Amitriptyline, Lexapro, Fluoxetine and Pondera, but vitamin B6 and omega 3 supplementation may also be required. The physician may also recommend the use of anxiolytics for better sleep and control anxiety, such as Alprazolam.
In addition to the medicines prescribed by the doctor it is important to adopt new lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity, food up properly, eating lots of vegetables and fruits because they are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as bananas or tomatoes, for example. See a complete list of foods that help you get out of depression faster .
Psychotherapy sessions with an experienced psychologist is crucial because it helps to develop strategies to increase self-esteem, overcome the anguish and anxiety control. The treatment has to be done for at least 6 months and even if the symptoms are no longer present it is essential to maintain the treatment to avoid relapses.