Paul was a young boy who had just finished his OND at Ozoro Polytechnic, Delta State. The plan his parents had for him was to further his education into [ in] a good Nigerian university. Paul had a big happy family. Sometimes, he would spend his holiday with his sister who was a pastor or his brother, a fashion designer who resided in Port-Harcourt city.
No one saw it coming. He was quiet, so no one would have known he was depressed. He was 21 years old with many years ahead; what problems could he possibly have? The family never got the answer to that question, because the young lad drank Snipper(rat killer) and ended his life in his brother’s apartment.
Have you ever had anyone tell you he/she was depressed and you laughed it off? Or have you ever felt yourself slip towards that direction but couldn’t really explain what it was? These few points will help you detect the signs of depression early on so that preventive measures can be taken to nip it in the bud.
1. Mood disorder
They might laugh at a joke one minute, the next they have completely spaced out and spiralled into hopelessness. They go about with a forlorn and bleak look of despair. This is usually one of the most common symptoms of the beginning stage of depression. Mood disorders can also make one feel dejected, self-loathe, hatred, anger and its likes. If you have these symptoms or know someone with them, get help.
2. Excessive sleep and tiredness
It would seem like the only fun thing to do, is sleep. They are always tired. One could be tired from working too much or being stressed. In this case, it doesn’t apply. But a person who sleeps excessively or lacks sleep completely(Insomnia), might develop anxiety which is also headed towards being depressed.
3. Anxiety
Being anxious might not necessarily lead to being depressed, but anxiety on its own is very dangerous. Healthline listed some of its symptoms as; nervousness, restlessness, panic, dread, rapid heart rate, trembling, muscle twitching, heavy sweating, trouble focusing and other dangerous symptoms that will lead to depression if unattended to.
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4. Irritability in men
Studies conducted by Mayo Clinic show that men with depression may experience symptoms such as irritability, escapist or risky behaviour, misuse of substances, excess intake alcohol, reckless driving or excessive rage. This does not mean that men cannot experience the same symptoms such as women do.
5. Overeating or Undereating
One might just like food and intentionally gain weight or deliberately decide to lose weight by starting a diet or lose weight via strenuous exercise or stress. But when one’s appetite increases and keeps gaining weight or one loses appetite and continuously reduces weight, then it becomes a symptom of depression.
6. Suicidal thoughts
This is one of the most common symptoms. Unfortunately, people realise this when it’s already too late. But there are signs and hints that one with such thoughts drop before taking his/her own life. Do not ignore the rantings [ranting] of someone saying he’d take his life on social media. Instead, get help. Speak to them, if you are not qualified, get a counsellor or call the police.
What Next?
Once you see yourself or anyone else, exhibiting these symptoms of depression, take action. Speak to someone about it. Exercise, do yoga and make basic lifestyle changes. Avoid addictions, they will only make it worse. If you are not making any progress, visit a counsellor or your doctor to administer antidepressants or give you the best advice.
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