Associated crises Suicide thoughts or behaviour , self-harm
Signs Depression affects emotions, thinking, behaviour and physical wellbeing. General signs of depression include the following: Physical effects can include chronic fatigue, lack of energy, sleeping too much, difficulty sleeping, overeating, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycle, unexplained aches, and pains. Psychological effects can include sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, mood swings, lack of emotional responsiveness (sometimes referred to as numbing), helplessness, and hopelessness. They can include frequent self-criticism, self-blame, worry, pessimism, impaired memory and concentration, indecisiveness and confusion, tendency to believe others see you in a negative light (paranoia), and thoughts of death and suicide. Effects on attitude and thinking can include negative views of themselves, other people, the world, the future, and expressing thoughts such as “I’m a failure”, “I have let everyone down”, “I’m worthless”, “No-one loves me”, “I am so alone”, “Things will always be bad”, or “No-one can help me.” Behaviourial effects can include crying spells, withdrawal from others, neglect of responsibilities, loss of interest in personal appearance, loss of motivation, and engaging in risk taking behaviours (e.g., reckless driving, self-harm, misuse of alcohol, misuse of substances besides alcohol, and risk-taking sexual behaviour) (182). Some young people experiencing depression may be able to hide their symptoms. The term ‘smiling depression’ is sometimes used in cases where a person may have developed a coping strategy of presenting as outwardly happy whilst their internal experience
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