It is more common than not for people in active addiction or just entering into addiction recovery to have show signs and symptoms of depression or another co-occurring mental health disorder. Two of the most common are anxiety and depression. Asking which came first the mental health issue or the addiction is almost an unanswerable question. In reality both the addiction and mental health problem need to be addressed.
Symptoms and signs of depression can be easily disregarded and overlooked by one who is not aware. 
So, it is very important to learn to recognize the symptoms of depression to keep yourself on track, and so we can offer help and encouragement to friends and family who may be suffering. Perhaps you have not been feeling all that great lately, and are wondering if you might have a mood disorder as well. Getting acquainted with the signs of depression is helpful to identify potential problems.
The first step is to educate yourself about the varied ways depression can manifest itself. If you do have depression, it can be treated with several different methods, including counseling and medication. There are both emotional and physical symptoms that may be confused with other medical issues. Many who suffer from depression think they are just having a case of the blahs. However, true depression requires treatment. It will not get better on its own.
Signs of depression can include any of the following symptoms:
Lack of Interest
One of the two most common signs of depression includes a decreasing interest in activities or people that you once found enjoyable. If you find yourself avoiding phone calls, outings, or get-togethers, it may suggest depression. Even daily activities will seem like much more of a chore. This can included everything from playing with your children, to cooking dinner.
Depressed or Sad Mood
Many people mistakenly believe that anyone who is sad has depression. While it’s true that sad times in our lives, such as during a death or other loss, we may feel at a loss. However, true depression is noted by a sad or depressed mood, and importantly, over significant lengths of time. The moods may not necessarily be triggered by a sad event, either.
Negative Thinking
A depressed person will most likely display behavior that is negative towards his or herself. They may call themselves a failure, and make comments that nothing ever goes right. A poor attitude and negative or pessimistic responses to daily occurrences are common signs of depression.
Physical Illnesses
Oddly enough, other signs of depression include physical effects. Backaches, gastrointestinal trouble, or headaches can be a sign. A stse of anxiety or elevated blood pressure can be another physiological response.
Destructive Behavior
Often, if the depressed person doesn’t know how to deal with their frustrations, they may take it out on themselves. Abuse of the body through cutting, overeating, drinking alcohol, talking about suicide, or even engaging in risky sexual behavior are all serious signs of depression. Those who damage their bodies are at a higher risk for suicide, and their abuse is a call for help.
Fatigue and Sleeplessness
Depression can either cause a manic state, where the person is hyper and cannot sit still or sleep well. They may have trouble falling or staying asleep due to the anxiety depression can cause. Other signs of depression include being tired all the time, having no energy to do simple tasks, or having constant full-body aches.
If you recognize any of the above behaviors in yourself or someone you love, seek the help and advice of a doctor. He or she will prescribe the best treatment options for your situation. Don’t be afraid to admit that you need help to deal with your feelings. Depression is a serious disorder that can lead to physical ailments, even death, so it is important to recognize the symptoms and signs of depression when you see them.
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Well, we can’t deny that one cause of addiction is depression or vice versa, and to tell the truth, could end up with suicidal tendencies. I had known this person before, who maybe thought that life is too unfair and he never got over it. After some time, he got addicted with drugs and alocohol, I should’ve stopped him but I didn’t really know whats going on with his life and I barely even knew him. I was just receiving some feedbacks and later on, he attempted suicide. It really is sad, so guys out there, as it says here, please do seek the help of a doctor anytime you feel threatened with depression or your love ones.
When a person is in depression, he stops thinking about himself and is easily caught by various addictions. At first drugs and alchohol make him almost unconcious due to which he feels stress free. But very soon, these pain relieving things become addictions and he gets dependent on them. I think a positive attitude and enthusiasm in a person can prevent him from being a victim of depression.
Having read this article. I will pay closer attention to my friends child. I have suspected that his child was going through some sort of depression and even talked to the mother about it. I am trying to get her to take him to the doctor. But have yet to be successful. Maybe this article will help get the point across to her.
I tend to see lots of signs of depression in people that know, and it is almost to the point that it is overwhelming. Most don’t know, don’t understand, don’t believe, or don’t want to get help though. I am sure with the way things are going on the world lately has a lot to do with it, but it depresses me to see so many people I know suffering and anxious all the time.
A person who is a negative thinker can easily get depressed. Once a person is broad minded and is not open to things then it will lead him to depression. The best way is to ask for help or trained yourself to be open minded.
Depression can easily be misconstrued, unless you really know the person, you can be fooled very easily. All people want to feel needed to some degree, and it is just as important as getting them help. You need to watch a person closely that is suspected and try talking to them and see what’s going on inside. Make them your friend, build up their trust and be there for them, talk to them, guide them through their issues, show them you care and then and only then you will be in a position to help.