Depression a serious mental illness that affects how one thinks and behaves. It leads one to lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed. Undertaking the most basic functions such as sleeping, working, and even eating become troublesome. The disorder is common and severely hampers ones emotional and physical abilities. One in six people is bound to go through depression at least once in their lifetime. While it can strike during any age, it is most likely to seep in when one is in their late teens or mid-20s.

Commonly misunderstood, feeling sad is not the same as being depressed. The process of depression is a natural grieving that is distinct for every individual. Albeit, the features may be quite similar. Even an individual who lives under conventionally ideal circumstances is at the risk of depression and must avail of the right support to get through. Identifying and understanding the signs of depression is the first step involved in the same. Here are some obvious signs of depression that one must look out for:

1. Unexplainable body pain
People who suffer from depression are most likely to experience physical pain. This includes pain in the back, joints and limbs. Body pain caused by depression can be chronic if not treated well in time. According to scientific study, physical pain in depression can be attributed to the shared neurological pathway. Persistent pain in the neck or back should not be brushed off and must be considered a red flag for depression.

2. Rapid fluctuation in body weight
Rapid loss or gain of weight should be considered an essential warning sign of depression. This is because the mental condition can seriously affect one’s appetite and that can lead to rarely eating food or overeating at all times. Experiencing a noticeable change in one’s cravings must be evaluated.

3. Getting overwhelmed by guilt
Another sign of depression is that of becoming overly overwhelmed by guilt. One feels excessive guilt all the time and thus, apologizes for every little thing. It is always also characterized by a feeling of responsibility and blaming one’s self for any error that may occur. The overwhelming guilt is a very sneaky sign and can also become evident to other over time.

4. Indecisiveness
Depression makes it very difficult for an individual to concentrate and interferes with the ability to think straight. Even the smallest decision such as choosing a preferred coffee becomes difficult. Depression slows the cognitive processes and making decisions at work and when out and about becomes a task.

5. Alcoholism
One may find him/herself taking solace in alcohol, which is a major warning sign. The urge for heavy drinking can be a factor to seriously consider. The is a complex relationship between feeling depressed and finding the need to consume alcohol. Drinks may feel as the best way to cope and mask the different feelings associated with depression. Heavy drinking can also further trigger intense episodes of depression among individuals.

6. Talk to a mental health professional
If you or someone you love is struggling with the symptoms of bipolar depression, don’t wait to seek help and support. Therapy and doctor-prescribed medications, such as Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, and Latuda (lurasidone HCl), may help ease clinical depressive symptoms and make life manageable. Studies show that bipolar depressive patients treated with drugs, like Latuda, may be very effective. Talk to your doctor about getting a Latuda coupon to try the medication today.