The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 has revealed that approximately one million people, or 4.6 per cent, of those aged over 15 in Malaysia, suffer from depression. This stark statistic underscores the significant impact of this condition on the nation’s well-being.
Understanding and Recognizing the Signs Across Age Groups
Depression transcends age, manifesting in adults, teenagers, and even young children. Recognizing the signs of depression early is crucial for facilitating timely intervention and implementing effective management strategies. While the core of depression involves a disturbance in mood and well-being, its presentation can vary considerably depending on the age of the individual. Therefore, raising awareness about the diverse ways depression manifests across different life stages is vital in Malaysia. This article aims to illuminate the specific signs of depression in adults, teenagers, and children, empowering individuals, families, and communities to identify potential concerns and proactively seek appropriate support when needed.
The Signs of Depression in Adults
Depression in adults can manifest in a variety of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. While everyone experiences occasional sadness, persistent and pervasive symptoms that interfere with daily life may indicate depression. Some common signs of depression in adults include:
- Feelings of Sadness, Tearfulness, Emptiness, or Hopelessness: This persistent low mood is a hallmark of depression. Individuals may feel overwhelmingly sad, cry frequently, or experience a sense of inner emptiness and a bleak outlook on the future.
- Angry Outbursts, Irritability, or Frustration: Contrary to the common perception of depression as solely sadness, it can also manifest as increased irritability, a short temper, and frequent angry outbursts, even over minor frustrations.
- Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Normal Activities: A significant decrease or complete loss of interest in hobbies, social activities, sex, sports, or anything that previously brought joy is a key indicator. This lack of pleasure, known as anhedonia, can be profoundly debilitating.
- Sleep Disturbances (Insomnia or Sleeping Too Much): Depression often disrupts sleep patterns. Some individuals may struggle with insomnia, experiencing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Conversely, others may experience hypersomnia, characterized by excessive sleepiness.
- Tiredness and Lack of Energy: Persistent fatigue and a lack of energy, even after adequate rest, are common. Simple tasks can feel overwhelming and require significant effort.
The Signs of Depression in Teens
Identifying signs of depression in teenagers can be challenging as some symptoms may be dismissed as typical adolescent moodiness. However, several indicators warrant attention:
- Sadness, Irritability, and Negative Feelings: Similar to adults, teens may express persistent sadness, but irritability, frustration, and an overall negative outlook on life and themselves are also prominent. In fact, while sadness is a common symptom, depression in adolescents can also significantly manifest as increased irritability, anger, and agitation.
- Anger and Outbursts: Increased anger, hostility, and defiance can be a manifestation of underlying depression in teenagers.
- Poor School Performance or Attendance: A noticeable decline in grades, lack of motivation for schoolwork, and increased absenteeism can signal a problem.
- Feeling Misunderstood and Extremely Sensitive: Teens with depression may feel like no one understands them, leading to increased sensitivity to criticism or perceived slights.
- Substance Abuse (Drugs or Alcohol): As a maladaptive coping mechanism, some teenagers with depression may turn to recreational drugs or alcohol.
- Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits: Significant and unexplained changes in appetite (eating too much or too little) and sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia) can be red flags.
- Self-Harm: Thoughts or acts of self-harm, such as cutting or burning, are serious warning signs that require immediate professional help.
- Loss of Interest in Normal Activities: Withdrawal from previously enjoyed hobbies, sports, and social activities is a significant indicator.
- Avoidance of Social Interaction: Teens with depression may isolate themselves from friends and family.
The Signs of Depression in Children
Recognizing signs of depression in younger children requires careful observation, as they may not be able to articulate their feelings in the same way adults or teenagers do. Some common indicators include:
- Sadness and Irritability: While sadness can be present, younger children may exhibit irritability, crankiness, and a negative mood more frequently.
- Clinginess and Worry: Increased anxiety, fearfulness, and a strong desire to be close to caregivers can be signs of underlying distress.
- Aches and Pains: Unexplained physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches can sometimes be linked to emotional distress.
- Refusing to Go to School: Avoidance of school, often accompanied by complaints of illness, can be a sign of anxiety or depression.
- Being Underweight: Changes in appetite and eating habits can lead to significant weight loss or failure to gain weight appropriately.
When to See a Doctor
It is crucial to seek professional medical advice if you or someone you know is experiencing several of these signs of depression, especially if the symptoms are interfering with daily life, work, school, or relationships. A doctor can provide a proper diagnosis, rule out any underlying medical conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Early intervention significantly improves the chances of recovery and prevents the condition from worsening.
FAQs
What are 6 warning signs of depression?
Six important warning signs of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts or plans. Recognized across age groups, thoughts of death or suicide among these are critical warning signs that require immediate attention, as highlighted by the NICE guideline on depressive disorder.
How to stop feeling depressed?
Overcoming depression often requires professional help. However, self-care strategies like regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and connecting with supportive people can be helpful in managing symptoms alongside professional treatment.
What are the signs of a person with depression?
Signs can vary but often include persistent low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, irritability, thoughts of suicide, and decreased concentration.
What are 5 causes of depression?
Depression is often caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances, stressful life events, chronic illnesses, and hormonal changes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs of depression, remember that help is available. At Amarantine Clinic in Kuala Lumpur, our compassionate and experienced mental health professionals offer comprehensive support and personalized treatment plan. Contact Amarantine Clinic today for a confidential consultation.
Resource:
World Health Organization.(31 March 2023). Depressive disorder (depression).
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (29 June 2022). Depression in adults: treatment and management.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222/informationforpublic
Ministry of Health Malaysia. CPG Management of MDD.
https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/CPG/Psychiatry%20&%20Mental%20health/CPG_Management_of_MDD_(Second_Edition)_04092020.pdf