5 Signs of Depression to Watch Out for

Depression is commonly felt by menopausal women and can get in the way of one's quality of life. It is typically a result of the bodily changes taking place, especially the decline in estrogen, which directly affects brain chemistry. When a person is low on neurotransmitters like serotonin, it subsequently lowers mood. If you suspect that you are experiencing depression, this list can help you decide for sure. The following are frequent signs to watch out for in order to take necessary action.

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Weight Changes

Often times when women are depressed, their eating habits change. They may eat excessive junk food as a form of comfort, or they barely eat at all. This leads to noticeable weight loss or weight gain. Both extremes typically result in nutrient deficiency as well, which can worsen depression symptoms.

Fatigue

A key sign of depression is constant feelings of fatigue. It can be hard to go about your day with a clear mind if you're mentally exhausted and lacking energy. You may feel constantly tired even if you got a full night's rest prior. Confusion, irritability, and memory problems can also result from fatigue.

Insomnia

When a person is experiencing depression, it can be hard for them to fall asleep. Insomnia often results from depression, and night after night, you may lay awake in a wandering thoughts and lethargy. It can take hours to actually fall asleep, and then once you do, you may wake several times in the night and have difficulty falling back asleep. It can be exhausting and make fatigue even worse.

Disinterest in Hobbies

A clear indicator of depression is when you're no longer engaged in the activities you once loved. Whether it's physical activities, creativity, or just spending a relaxing day in nature, you just don't seem to care the way that you used to.

Instead, you may opt to stay inside away from the world. You may also stop seeing loved ones because you feel like there's no point and that you have nothing to offer. This can lead to feelings of alienation and low self-esteem, which can further lower levels of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter essential for feelings of love and support.

Thoughts of Suicide

This is a serious symptom that is not to be taken lightly. If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you must seek immediate attention from a loved one or medical professional. Understand that everything will be okay, and the emotional pain will pass in time. There are always people who can offer support. It may be hard to believe, but you are full of abundance and possibility.

After checking this list, if you feel you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is likely that you are going through depression. Luckily, the cause during menopause is usually hormonal and therefore temporary. There are several effective treatment methods for depression, making treatment just like that of any physical illness.