Lost Yourself Lately? These Could Be Depression Symptoms

That was me…losing myself years ago. I had depression symptoms as a teenager and didn’t know it. All I know is I felt terrible. Everyone around me was happy and enjoying life, and I was stuck in this tunnel with no end. It was filled with misery and heartbreak. Now, you wouldn’t expect this from a teenager.

But I had all the signs of depression, so my mom took me to a psychiatrist, and I was diagnosed with depression. Then I was put on meds with horrible side effects, and lived like that for many years.

Fast forward to today, and I’m thriving thanks to some of the therapists and doctors I had. Some didn’t care, while others took a genuine interest in me as a real person. I will be forever grateful to them. Now let’s dive deep into depression symptoms and how to get rid of them.

Depression Symptoms

Depression and Memory Loss

Memory loss from depression is not as well known as other symptoms. I have blocks of memories missing. The only honeymoon I went on, and I only have two memories of it on the ship. We went on the Disney cruise ship to the Bahamas. I don’t remember anything about the Bahamas.

Depression can affect how our brain works, making it harder to form or recall memories. This often leads to trouble remembering things, especially positive experiences, and can sometimes create a sense of “brain fog” or forgetfulness.

They also say that early memory loss is a sign of dementia. I have Parkinson’s, and that is a precursor to declining memory loss. When writing these posts, my thinking isn’t as fluid as it used to be. I have ideas, and then they disappear. And they were good ideas too.

Depression Fatigue

Depression fatigue is one of the telltale depression symptoms. All in all, depression and tiredness go hand in hand. If you can’t even get out of bed in the morning for several days, you probably have depression. Reasons may include:

Depression is often linked to imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, energy, and motivation. When these are disrupted, it can lead to persistent fatigue. The constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety that accompany depression can be mentally and emotionally taxing, leading to physical exhaustion.

Low energy depression, you just feel bogged down. Even the simplest thing requires all your strength. Most of the time, you just give up and go back to bed. In your dreams, everything is peaceful, and it just feels right. Outside of that is not harmonious.

Oversleeping Depression

We all do this when we’re depressed. While you’re sleeping, nothing can harm you. And in dreaming, your life is positive and joyous. Almost seems like the perfect life (if perfect existed). Then when you open your eyes, reality hits you. You’re living in a disorganized, disillusioned part of time that you can’t seem to get yourself out of.

When I would wake up and reality struck, I was completely lost. I had this fear that my life would always be like this. This was before the doctors and the therapists. Of course, I didn’t do much better with them because they didn’t truly care, and that’s what I needed. I was just money to them.

I’m not trying to put everyone reading this into a disheartened mood, this is merely what it feels like. For those who have never experienced depression (or MDD), i’m enlightening you on how it actually feels.

Depression Irritability

Irritability is another one that goes along with depression symptoms. I used to snap at friends and family. I also got into fights with my mother. So, I was so pissed off at literally everything, I would vent to anyone within arms reach or even beyond.

I was on a bowling league and vented my frustrations there. I would whip the ball down the alley and walk away. Nevertheless, I didn’t care about their feelings or how poor of a sport I was being. They were there to have a good time, and I ruined that.

Depression and rage attacks occurred frequently as the depression continued. I literally got into a fist fight with my mother. My dad had to separate us. Nowadays, I’m much more calmer and at peace with the depression and even the anxiety. I realized that fighting myself and my diagnoses was futile, so I started the process of accepting them and moving on with my life.

Feeling Lost and Hopeless

I got so caught up in the process of feeling sorry for myself it grew into feeling lost and hopeless. So, I was in a void where there seemed no end. I was hopeless that things wouldn’t get any better, and I had lost myself in the process. Therefore, I had no identity. I had lost sight of a human existence.

But then, I met a psychiatrist and therapist who changed everything. I wasn’t used to it, but they actually cared about me. It was like lifting a huge weight off me. I no longer felt hopeless that nothing was going to change. I felt free from the heaviness of depression. Therefore, I could breathe again.

And that is where I am today writing about my experiences with depression symptoms. I am no longer lost going down a path to nowhere. I found the right path to being able to live my best life possible. And I thank God for that. I could have easily been a statistic of suicide, but I’m still here sharing my thoughts to you.

Natural Treatments for Depression

Recognize your warning signs

Knowing your warning signs will help greatly in thwarting off the disorder. Some common warning signs to keep an eye on include feeling anxious or restless, having trouble focusing, noticing changes in your appetite or sleep habits, and feeling tired or easily overwhelmed. Recognizing these signs early can help you take proactive steps to manage things and feel more in control.

Keep a gratitude journal

Gratitude journals are important, because they keep you in the present moment. Taking a moment to jot down what you’re grateful for helps you focus on the good things in your life. It’s so easy to get stuck in negative thoughts and worries, but keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to shift your mindset and bring a little more positivity into your day.

Gratitude journals are a great way to remind ourselves of all the good things in our lives. In today’s busy world, it’s so easy to overlook or take for granted the blessings we have. By jotting them down regularly, we can build a sense of appreciation and feel a little more content every day!

Serve someone else

Helping someone else can lift your spirits. Research has shown that acts of kindness and altruism can boost our mood and make us feel happier. By taking the time to assist someone else, whether volunteering, lending a listening ear or offering a helping hand, we not only improve their day, but also ours.

Helping others can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It allows us to connect with others and be part of something bigger than ourselves. This can be especially important during times when we may feel isolated or disconnected from our community.

Don’t compare

Don’t compare your life to someone else who seems happy. Everyone’s journey is unique, and you never know what challenges someone else might face. Focus on your own path and make it the best it can be—you’ve got this!

It’s natural to compare ourselves to others—we all do it. But when it happens too often, it can leave us feeling not good enough. Social media doesn’t help, with its endless stream of perfectly curated snapshots of people’s “perfect” lives. The thing is, no one’s life is truly perfect. We all deal with challenges and struggles, even if they’re not visible online.

Do something you’d normally enjoy

Whether it’s going for a walk, or playing with your cat, do those types of things that make you happy. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. So, give yourself a break and do something that brings you joy.

We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, constantly striving for success and pushing ourselves to achieve more. While ambition is certainly admirable, it’s important to remember that we also take care of ourselves along the way. Engaging in activities that bring us happiness can have a positive impact on our overall well-being.

Know your limits

Knowing your limits will help you not become overwhelmed. Taking breaks and tackling tasks one step at a time is important for keeping a healthy balance. It might feel tough when you’ve got a million things going on, but trust me—it’s totally worth it!

Another important way to avoid feeling overwhelmed is learning to say no. It’s easy to want to take on every task or opportunity that comes your way, but that’s a fast track to burnout. Instead, focus on what matters most to you—prioritize the tasks that are truly important and don’t be afraid to politely pass on the ones that don’t fit your goals or workload.

Hug someone

Giving someone a great big hug will help them, and you too. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or even a stranger, showing kindness and physical affection can have positive effects on both the giver and receiver.

Hugging has been scientifically proven to release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” This chemical promotes feelings of love, trust, and bonding. So when you give someone a hug, you’re not only making them feel good, but also improving your own mood and well-being.

Give yourself grace

Give yourself a break. Don’t criticize everything you do. Take a step back and remember that perfection is not the goal. Instead, focus on progress and improvement with each attempt.

As humans, we often hold ourselves to impossibly high standards. We berate ourselves for every mistake and constantly compare ourselves to others. This negative self-talk can be detrimental to our mental health and productivity.

Sum It All Up

So, instead of constantly judging yourself, try to adopt a more forgiving mindset. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay not to be perfect all the time. Give yourself credit for your efforts, even if they don’t always result in success.

Remember that progress takes time and effort. It’s important to celebrate your small wins along the way and acknowledge how far you’ve come, rather than focus on how much further you can go. This will help build your confidence and motivate you to continue working towards your goals.

Another helpful mindset shift is to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help bring you back to the present and promote a sense of calmness. And we could all use that. Peace and always love. Until next time…

Articles About Depression Symptoms