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6 Signs to Identify Depression or Stress Many people use the word "depression and stress" to describe how they are feeling at a specific moment: sad, disappointed, worried, overwhelmed, frustrated, etc. Real depression or stress, however, is much more than just these "in the moment" feelings. It can be all consuming, taking over your day-to-day life. It can interrupt or impact your ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoying life. When looking for signs of depression/stress, feeling sad, teary, and feeling down may seem obvious. You may even see a loss or increase in appetite, or feelings of hopelessness and helplessness as signs. 1. Abnormal Sleep Patterns: Many stressed people complain that they don't want to get out of bed...Or they can't sleep...They feel anxiety, pressure and more... If you find that you have trouble getting a solid seven to eight hours of sleep on a regular basis, this may be a sign of depression or a high level of stress. 2. Apathy or Ambivalence: Once I asked a friend if they were happy. His response: "I'm not UNhappy." This kind of response may sound okay, but in reality, it demonstrates apathy or ambivalence. If you can't say you are happy, and yet, you can't say you are unhappy, you may be living in a state of "existing." If one is depressed or stressed, they may unknowingly turn off all of their emotions in order to shut out emotions such as unhappiness. 3. Loss of Interest or Energy for Things You Enjoy: They also lose interest in or lack the energy for the things that they normally really enjoy. 4. Loss of Focus or Concentration: Some people find that they can't concentrate on work or other tasks that used to be easy to them. They are distracted and lose their focus on even the most basic of tasks. 5. Disinterest in Seeing Friends or Loved Ones: When someone is depressed, and stressed they may fall off the radar, hide out or avoid being social. Being around other individuals who are happy may be a reminder of how unhappy they are. Or, they may not have the energy to "put on a happy face" for others. 6. Lack of Interest in Your Physical Wellbeing or Appearance: If you normally take pride in the way you look or in your health and wellbeing, yet recently have stopped caring, it may be a sign of depression or stress. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the above make sure you visit a wellness center and seek professional guidance. Often, people will turn to medication to treat depression. Medication, however, only treats the symptoms and doesn't actually fix the problem. A wellness coach or psychological treatment helps individuals understand what is causing the depression or the stress and they can address those triggers and help lead a happier, medication-free life. | 
