SPECIAL FEATURE

# A HOPELESS OUTLOOK ON LIFE
Major depression is a mood disorder that affects the way you feel about life in general. Having a hopeless or helpless outlook on life is one of the most common symptoms of depression. Other negative feelings may include feeling worthless, having self-hate or inappropriate guilt. Common, recurring thoughts of depression may be vocalised as, “It’s all my fault,” or “What’s the point?”

# LOST OF INTEREST
When you’re suffering from depression, things or activities that you once loved now don’t bring you joy. In fact, there is a loss of interest or withdrawal from activities that you once looked forward to — sports, hobbies, or going out with friends — is yet another telltale sign of major depression. Another symptom of major depression is losing interest in sex, decreased sex drive or even impotence.

# ANXIETY
While depression hasn’t been shown to cause anxiety, the two conditions goes hand in hand. The symptoms of anxiety can include:
• nervousness, restlessness, or feeling tense
• feelings of danger, panic, or dread
• rapid heart rate
• rapid breathing
• increased or heavy sweating
• trembling or muscle twitching
• trouble focusing or thinking clearly about anything other than the thing you’re worried about

# INCREASED FATIGUE AND INSOMNIA
Another reason that feeds into losing interest in things or activities once enjoyed is due to fatigue. Depression often comes with a lack of energy and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue, which can be among the most debilitating symptoms of depression. This, in result, leads to excessive sleeping. In addition, depression is also linked with insomnia, as one might lead to the other and vice versa. The lack of quality, restful sleep can also lead to anxiety.

# CHANGES IN APPETITE AND WEIGHT
Those suffering from depression may experience weight and appetite fluctuations. This experience varies for each person. Some people will have an increased appetite and gain weight, while others won’t be hungry and will lose weight. One indication of whether dietary changes are related to depression is if they’re intentional or not. If they’re not, it may mean that they’re caused by depression.

LOOKING AT DEATH
Depression is often connected with suicide as those who’re depressed look for a means to end their suffering and pain. People who die by suicide usually show symptoms first like talking about it or making a first attempt before succeeding in ending their life. If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person, call 911 or your local emergency number. Stay with the person until help arrives and remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm. Lend them your ear and listen without judging, arguing, threatening, or yelling.