Early Warning Signs Of Relapsed Depression In Men
Anyone can deal with depression. Anyone! Men, this means you. But in the same vein, anyone can beat depression. It takes a combination of things to cure depression. It's prescription and over-the-counter antidepressants, regular depression therapy, depression support groups, and even natural antidepressants. But guess what? Many, many men want alternative treatments for depression as well. This is possible! Just be aware, relapses in depression do occur. Treatment needs maintenance!
Loss Of Interest In Activities
Relapsed depression means the return of many, many symptoms. One of the earliest? A loss of interest in activities. This means things like playing sports, watching sports, hiking, and anything else previously enjoyed. Men with relapsed depression may decline social invitations. This is withdrawal!
If men with relapsed depression do go to social events, they might not enjoy themselves. They'll try! But many, many people will see they aren't happy if they pay close attention. There'll be differences in their behavior from before! Many, many men will try to be the life of the party. When no one's looking? Their mask is going to drop. It will.
Fatigue And Lethargy
Depression takes up a lot of energy. A lot! Everyone who's gone through it knows this. So when men see relapsed depression? Fatigue and lethargy make a serious comeback! It won't matter how much they sleep. Even if they're sleeping a lot, their body just won't have the energy it needs. Men'll show bursts of energy, sure, but there's going to be signs of burnout. When men with relapsed depression are alone, exhaustion will hit. It will! They'll find it hard to get out of bed in the morning. They won't want to do any more than they have to, if that. There's going to be visual cues too, like lapses in basic hygiene!
Changes In Sleeping Habits
Sleep is so, so important. All men need sleep, and most need 7 or 8 hours every night. But when relapsed depression is at play? An early sign is a change in sleeping habits. Men may suddenly have trouble falling or staying asleep at night. They'll sleep less than they normally do and they'll be very, very restless. But other men? Other men'll sleep a lot more than normal, and not just at night. They'll find they need to nap all the time! Trouble waking up is very common for these men. Very common. Watch for any unusual changes in sleeping habits, men!
Appetite Changes
Yes, relapsed depression impacts appetite too! Men'll see huge, huge changes. They may start to eat too much or eat too little. If they enjoyed food before, their relapse takes it away and can make them only eat what they need to survive. They won't be happy when they eat anymore. They'll pick at a favorite meal instead of chowing down! This sign takes time to notice.
The early warning? Skipping a meal or leaving behind large portions of food. But hold your horses! Relapsed depression can also mean finding comfort in eating. This means eating more and more food to feel satisfied and fill a void. Watch for serious weight gain or weight loss for no reason!
Feeling Hopeless
Many, many men with depression deal with feeling hopeless. Many of them do! It's no different for relapsed depression. This is an early warning sign, and it also sticks around. But unfortunately? It's much, much harder to spot. Men don't want to admit they feel hopeless! They'll hide this at all costs. All costs!
Men with relapsed depression are the ones who'll know about this sign first. They'll notice brief thoughts related to hopelessness or negativity at first. Men won't want to admit that's what's happening, though! It'll mean relapsed depression progressing, and more and more feelings of hopelessness appearing. Men, you're going to need help. Get it early!