5 Early Signs of a Depressive Episode

[@LJ-mq9kc]

The loss of motivation is awful: people call you lazy while you watch your life ebb away.

[@naesenh.2162]

With high functioning depression it’s running on literal fumes that never seem to completely run out and realizing people are so unaware of your well-being that they can’t see any of the very obvious signs that you are literally losing all sign of life with each passing day.

[@lizwidner1208]

Same, my doctor said I am considered to have high functioning major depressive disorder, and yet I literally feel like I am hanging on by a thread. I just had a self-harming episode the other day... I was just given a new referral from my PCP (GP/ Primary Care Physician/ General Practitioner, respectively, so I need to reach out ASAP, but even that feels like a chore. Talking with my parents, it just feels like they don't understand. I feel so lost... But thank you for this video, it did give me some clarify. Thank you for letting me be honest here.

[@M.C.Blackwell]

Yes

[@kathleech8044]

Irritability is an early warning sign that is often misunderstood.

[@Cara-yh4is]

It’s oddly comforting to hear that all of these behaviours I’ve been showing are a real mental health thing rather than a “I’m a total failure thing”. The accuracy is unsettling but validating, so thank you.

[@Jfwqs7212]

You need a protective factor, your children, your mate or a pet. Something that you wake up and look forward to, or is depending on you. Those are the things that keep me going.

[@emmawalls8799]

I always seem to forget that depression doesn’t just go away… I haven’t had a depressive episode in months. I always notice the signs too late and I hate that there’s no specific trigger. It’s so frustrating and disheartening to feel like you can do nothing to stop this… just gotta ride it out

[@MarianaFerreira-z2t]

same with me I didn't have one as bad as this in 8 years so Im just miserable now

[@Anyoneoutthere89]

I’m going through one right now and I’m finding I really really need help and support more than ever

[@irmenotu]

I have severe depression and have attempted suicide twice and thought about it countless times. One of the things that has helped me is called finding an anchor. Its a thing or a thought that buys you time so that you can get help and it doesn't have to make sense. Maybe your anchor is your pillow, or your favorite shirt or the left over take away in the fridge. Try to think about 2 or 3 things you like about your anchor even if they seem tiny and insignificanct. 1 teeny tiny good thing to focus on can buy you those crucial seconds or minutes to get help.

[@laboulonnaise4294]

To whomever may be reading and going through tough times, focus on one thing only: open the door. I know it's hard but you must open the door

[@Tekayo932]

I don't feel like myself anymore. I feel so much unmotivated. I can sleep for 36 hours , isolate and switch off my phone so I don't talk to anyone

[@rahima9618]

Hey, um I know I'm kind of late but I hope your doing okay.. I sometimes feel like that too. But I always remind myself to keep going! You got this. We all do.

[@Tekayo932]

@@rahima9618 So far so good. I accepted my situation and I have changed my lifestyle. I take walks each day and exercise

[@kikfull]

Thank you. I'm currently trying to put myself out of a depressive episode that started the moment I came back from a weekend away. Not able to clean up, shower, only order online to eat and always or too little or too much. I'm extremely tired. I do not like anything and I fear that even though I've been in therapy for 10 years, it will be like this forever. Good days and if I'm lucky weeks and then, boom, major depressive episodes. You're really not alone. I do not know how but I still keep fighting to be here.

[@jameswoodard4304]

I've been there. I hope you are on the other side of that episode since this is a month later. One thing that helped me was when I learned what was the Depression and what was me and my response to it. I developed a real defiant attitude and decided that I wouldn't "let it win." Even when I didn't care about myself living, I refused to let the disease win. This can be dangerous if you demand unrealistic expectations of yourself. You have to learn some real grace. But when you can make the distinction of being kind and realistic toward yourself and recognizing what's the disease and treat it likewise, it really helps in finding motivation and that one-day (or hour) -at-a-time fortitude and resilience necessary to deal with chronic depression. Grace and defiance. At least, that's the way it was for me. I know everyone is different. I also have deeply ingrained religious and spiritual beliefs that underpinned all this. I'm not sure I would have made it through certain parts of my life otherwise.

[@tarzankom]

This was, unfortunately, relatable.

[@schafiderfinsternis4458]

Thank you for this good summary! I've been through a severe case of depression, worked for years to get out of it and can confirm that the thoughts and effects during a depression are as described. I'd like to add two things: In my experience, depression is a very very individual condition. It's effects, the thoughts that torture you, your behavioral changes can vary a lot! My version took ALL my motivation, others became agressive, some had hallucinations, some had concentration problems and even lost their ability to find the right words. So my advise is, if you experience a strange behavior that doesn't quite fit to yourself, consider it a possible side effect of an impending depression. Second thought: A depression can take a LOT of your self esteem and your self confidence. Therefore, some behaviors like in part 2 and 3, can also be explained with a painful feeling of not deserving anything. Clean house, clean me? I'm not worth it. I don't deserve it. If my appartment and myself look ugly and are smelly, this shows my surroundings perfectly how worthless I am. If you wish to help a depressed person showing such a behavior, react with kindness. "I see that everything is a little too much for you right now. Let me help you out. And don't worry, I won't tell. What in your household bothers you the most?" is something you could say. And also: "I want you to feel better. Why don't you enjoy a refreshing bath or shower? And I really mean ENJOY. Take your time, as much as you like, without a bad conscience, because I want you to do this. To enjoy this. You mean a lot to me."

[@Diegesis]

I've felt like life isn't worth living for like 20 years. You get used to it.

[@peacehope7365]

Sadly, yes. I almost feel like I'm counting down till the end of my life here. Genuinely looking forward to dying. Strangely not suicidal though, as I can't be bothered...

[@4204PTSD]

I used the suicide hotline before when I lost my job, about to lose my home and was bed ridden with my anxiety. I didn't have suicidal thoughts, yet, and I told them that but they said it was good I called them. They said it was better to call them than not. They said calling them when you have the thoughts is like waiting to go to the hospital after you lose 2 liters of blood and not right after you cut yourself. It gets worse over time not better and the sooner you can get help the better the healing can go. I felt embarrassed when I called but they understood and helped me. Do NOT be afraid to ask for help.

[@sean_mccadden]

Other signs I personally have experienced is irritability and excessive amounts of anxiety which I know goes along with loss of focus. Also something I experience is obsession of being productive as an overcompensation for the lack of motivation which often leads me to burnout

[@symmonep9591]

Same here!…hopefully, you’re getting the support you need, now 🫶🏽

[@KylaElliott]

I wish people understood that depression looks different for everyone it’s not laying in bed crying like on tv. Great video, thank you. ❤

[@peacehope7365]

Even commenting here is taking it out of me. The messiness thing is so true. I'm normally extremely clean and tidy. I've actually got OCD. But currently the mess is building, and I have no motivation to sort it...

[@birdbrainz32]

All of this is so spot on. However, I would like to add that you don't have to wait until your depression is "bad enough" to seek treatment. I put off treatment for years because I was comparing my symptoms to those of others, and I thought that I'd be wasting everyone's time if I sought treatment without being in full on crisis mode. If you feel that your symptoms are having a negative impact on your life, then your depression is "bad enough." Often times, it can be really hard to accurately identify the severity of your own depression, particularly if you've been living with the condition for a long time. This is something that I really wish that I had understood years ago. I became so accustomed to just struggling with everything that I didn't even realize how severe my depression and anxiety were until I started taking medication for it. To anyone who is considering talking to a medical professional about a mental health problem, I wish you the best of luck. The best advise that I can possibly give you is to keep advocating for yourself. There are all kinds of internal and external barriers to care, but it is well worth the effort of finding a good provider who listens to you and being as honest as you are able. It can often feel as though we are burdening others when we seek out treatment, but it's better to burden them as living person than a dead person.

[@roseappleberry]

good reminder, thank you. after years of living with it ive finally learnt to call for my doctors and loved ones when i catch the pattern beginning - the first negative joke puts me on alert as i know its a downwards spiral for me. to everyone, your life is worth living and its worth living with quality and joy. youre doing good by seeking to care for your health and wellbeing, i wish you all the best

[@muhamedshafi6963]

The feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness had the great impact on my life. The day came where i would think about what it would be like without me and started to question my existence. When that started, Even the little things like if my pen fell out from my hand, my brain will make up a whole new story and connect everything with guilt. Everything around me became my fault and it's so frustrating. Then i started lying in bed whole day and my parents scolded me for being so unhygienic and not doing my daily chores. I have cut out every friendship from my contact and whatever i did, my mind tell me that i am not worth it or worth any happiness. So i neglected the things i love and lost interest in everything. Now everyday seems so hard to go through. This never ending cycle just eats me up😣

[@CarolRitchie-dt5wb]

Are you getting treatment like medication or therapy?

[@jamesclint2338]

Living that life. For as long as I can remember.

[@Huckleberry500]

I feel like the last 2 months have been a depressive episode.

[@maryjenison8761]

ALL 5. Thankyou. I have been to the clinic.

[@Vanness11]

I really appreciate your videos! I have chronic depression and “loss of joy” is such a good way to describe it

[@bmoney544]

The more I watch videos like this and read the comments the more I realise how rare my depression is. Yes there's overlap with normal and clinical depression but I feel like it's impossible to explain the excruciating emotional pain you go through with out any reason for it to be there. It also comes in waves and last for days. Once I'm out of the episode it's so such a huge relief. I completely understand people wanting to commit suicide to stop the pain. But anyone having episodes remember that you were happy before and that you'll feel happy again. Relief is just around the corner so endure be strong and talk to loves one. Know that I care and want you to survive. If I can get through it you definitely can.

[@DaisyBennett-x3l]

I think I can relate to that🤔It's like the pain of life. What do you do with it when you're going through such a season? Do you cry a lot?

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Thank you for sharing this, especially at this time of year. I struggle with anxiety and some of the symptoms definitely overlap with depression. Take care, everyone.

[@TheLibermania]

Now this is the stuff i don't want to hear. Technically everything (except showers being a huge task) occur to me. And i think my life is going mostly great because i'm an introvert who doesn't want to bother other people (isolate myself). And that is the reason why i don't like to talk to my Neurologist (who is also a psychiatrist). I'm afraid she would talk me into something while i'm most of the time happy with my life.

[@jasmirris]

I take meds to curb the suicidal ideation and it helps so much. I still have the rest of these issues and feel guilty but its strange because its not feeling guilty. I have the idea of guilt. Same with any other feeling (except for sadness) and I hate it.

[@Sandra-hc4vo]

i liked your descriptions. I get more sudden somewhat acute depression occasionally, rather than long continuous bouts, and other times am fine. so it's a matter of getting through them each time.

[@Mohunatatunarquay]

Having Bipolar disorder (type 2) myself, this really resonated with me and can relate to all those symptoms. Anyways, sending lots of love and healing vibes to anyone who is suffering, you are not alone. It may not seem like it now but I promise brighter days will come, you just need to take that first step as our lovely Dr Syl says and the professionals should take it from there ❤

[@Glinjan]

5/5, both your video and me identifying with the symptoms (don't worry, I'm already in therapy). However, for the last one, I wouldn't call it guilt so much, for me it's more like not wanting to have to deal with the (perceived) hardships in life anymore.

[@beancurd2250]

i just feel like a wet heavy blob of clay and i feel like i have no motivation to do anything and the showering part was so relatable i know it’s really disgusting but idk what’s wrong with me?? it’s not like some big problem happened to me it’s just that i suddenly feel this way. or maybe i’ve felt this this way all along 💀

[@colonelb]

Hey bud, great content as always. I'm interested in your thoughts on diagnosis and differentiation between "normal depression" that occurs as part of a traumatic event like the loss of a loved one, versus a depressive episode / clinical depression, since from the outside there can be a lot of overlap in appearances. (Especially after the last two years of pandemic fun) Also interested in your thoughts on this as it relates to common comorbidities such as ADHD and anxiety - ADHD also effects routines and motivation and organization, and such.

[@Dan____]

From my own experiences. Clinical depression while it can be triggered by external issues, is often diagnosed because there are no ongoing reasons to feel the way you do, you just feel terrible and that nothing has meaning or a point, and there is no joy left in the things you once loved. For no apparent reason. This is often a chemical imbalance that causes this. "Normal Depression" as you put it is still not something to ignore, or try and squash the feeling down on, but is often better treated with therapy.

[@susa5846]

Having ADHD and depression I think more people should know that if you have depression over many years that is difficult to handle it is possible you have ADHD which causes the depression. If ADHD is treated right the depression might get better as well. I was diagnosed with depression nearly twenty years ago. Nobody ever thought about or mentioned ADHD to me. Over the years I become aware that my depression is different to some other people I knew had depression. I might be not able to cook or clean, get dressed or anything over days and sometimes weeks. And then I had a good idea and pushed my whole furniture around my flat on a single day. I thought maybe I'm maniac, but that didn't fit, too. Years passed by until a good friend of mine got her diagnosis of ADHD and mentioned maybe I've got ADHD too. That was a real gamechanger for me. Understanding my brain makes it hard doing boring things over and over again helps everyday. The depression is still there, but I can handle it better. Hope this helps a little bit to understand the relationship between depression and ADHD.

[@RustyPro676]

yep all of those applied to me a few months back :) i feel like the episodes get less likely the more you get done outside of em. If you manage to pick yourself up, get your life halway in order, it helps. For me at least.

[@autumnzephyr]

I'm pretty sure my partner is experiencing chronic depression, as am I. I experienced my first depressive episode by the age of 7, and knew I was chronically depressed by the time I was a teen. I'm now in my 30s and started receiving treatment 3 years ago after being diagnosed with PPD. My partner, on the other hand, was diagnosed as a teen and was on medication for a while. However, they stopped therapy & medication because they felt it wasn't doing much good. I wish they would keep trying to get better, but they're afraid it might affect their job prospects & health insurance is an issue. I wish there was something more I could do to help them because while I accept their issues, it would take a miracle for their space to get & stay clean - which can really get to me at times. If anyone else has been through this and has any kernels of wisdom, I'd really appreciate it 🙏 Thank you.

[@s.u.s.a.n.a]

Please, make a video on CPTSD, thanks in advance!

[@_luvchey]

Could you do a video on Persistent depressive disorder. I have it and id like to know more about it from you

[@colonelb]

Hey Dr. Syl, does this metaphor sound reasonable? I've used this in conversations and interested in your opinion on it: Feeling depressed is like the check engine light on your car - sometimes it's there to tell you something is wrong or that trauma just occurred, such as after a death in the family or after a bad breakup or getting fired, those are expected times to feel depression as part of the stages of grief. But if your check engine light doesn't work properly, sometimes it may be incorrectly signaling that something is wrong such that you are feeling that sense of life disruption or loss even if none occurred. Does that make sense or is it completely off base?

[@beautifulbeautiful6363]

so insightful. love it

[@eegyypttt]

i just feel so alone and tired

[@nestynotnasty4405]

Thank you for this Dr Syl

[@zhongwenren]

I know there aren't a lot of views on this compared to your other videos, but information like this is very helpful and impactful as those who are motivated to seek knowledge often share information like this with others. So excellent work and thanks so much for the information!

[@NFK20-dc2cl]

Being depressed and I suffer from everyday depression sucks I don't eat either 😢I'm really struggling rn

[@byronsbrain]

Thank you for this informative video!

[@liztaiNCAD]

excellent video - I know these symptoms

[@food4444lyfe]

I have depression but I am verrrrry neat becos of my OCD... everrrrything needs to be in order.

[@AlpineAriana]

Bold of you to assume I have friends and family in the first place

[@-m7k0z7-9]

Which is why ECT often works

[@CaliforniaBabe0525]

I feel being sick makes you feel depressed or you start to slip into that bad mood. You're in bed for days let's say because Covid or whatever and you're alone because you don't want get others sick. You feel like 💩 physically and you're probably barely eating and sleeping a lot. This time of year lots of people including myself get sick often. It's cold and flu season. It's also dark outside so there's the lack of vitamin D from the sun. Crazy time of year I guess.

[@heyitsninaa]

I wish i could send this to my family members so they'd understand rather than calling me a shit disturber or moody person :/

[@Mishalalzahrani_]

Does Isolation happen with psychomotor slowing or the individual looks ok but they don't want to talk to anyone, like that of burnout.

[@amandawellsvenegas7024]

Helpful info, except the last part. “Just get to your GP and they’re do the rest.” No, they will give you some meds which will help, but overall it’s up to you.

[@jainavanmali6554]

This is literally my life

[@berrlett]

Thanks a lot for this for informative video. I might feel some of these like on and off but what I feel the most is am worried that am not normal, it’s more fear that hits me and causes a weird sensation in my chest and stomach every time I remember depression I’ve had palpitations (skipped heart beats) for over 5 years and feel intense tension on my shoulders and back neck as well as a weird hiss in my left ear. What is this please ? Anyone😢

[@karlhurlebusch3961]

That's what I have.

[@ytviewer2673]

i dont have friends

[@kylen9954]

I just realized. I've been doing all of this recently.

[@DhaunarLP]

What if 1 to 4 are your Default ?

[@georgeanngash9896]

Wonderful

[@hmmm6211]

lol, guess I've been depressed for the past 10years then 😅 , but whatever ... life's already fucked ... good vid as always tho

[@marianasalgado9288]

I'm so tired...

[@marianasalgado9288]

How dare you tell me it's catastrophic to think life doesn't seem worth living 😮 😂😂😂

[@some11223344]

What does it do us, we know how we feel when it comes.. we want a cure already for this damn disease, this world is horrible

[@kimharris8903]

Me to a tee.