This article is an attempt to outline some of the possible early warning signs which a person may experience during the lead up to a depressive episode. These signals may be behavioural, cognitive or emotional. Learning to recognise them, or having someone close to you recognise them e.g. A family member or friend, may help you to control your situation before it gets out of hand. Some examples are;

• Aches all over
• Headaches
• Trembling
• Senses shut down
• Paranoia
• Increased appetite
• Decreased appetite
• Easily frustrated
• Avoiding people
• Feeling clumsy, dropping things
• Increased consumption of alcohol
• Skin problems
• Backache
• Chest feeling constricted
• Heaviness in limbs
• Eyes ache
• Low or high blood pressure
• Not wanting to do anything
• Inability to function as you normally would
• Low energy levels
• Talking very little
• Insomnia
• Staying in bed for long periods
• Nausea
• Negative attitude
• Mind slows down
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of interest in everything
• Feelings of giving up on life
• Thoughts about death or dying
• Suicidal ideation
• Boredom
• Fear
• Desire to be taken care of
• Withdrawal
• Inactivity
• Tire easily
• Excessive sleep
• Slow speech
• Premature awakening
• Poor appetite
• Irritability
• Poor ability to concentrate
• Confusion
• Crying easily and often
• Feeling hopeless
• No experience of pleasure
• Difficulty completing everyday things
• Feeling insecure
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Sore neck and shoulders
• Low libido
• Intense grief like emotions
• Overeating
• Eating junk foods
• Inability to show affection
• Void of emotions
• Life seems disorganised
• Hair becomes wiry
• Eczema
• Seeing white spots
• Regret over past decisions
• Stomach problems
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Clenched jaws
• Muscle spasms
• Shortness of breath

If you experience any combination of these symptoms, you may well be on your way towards becoming depressed. If this is the case, please do not delay, talk to your doctor or other related health care professional as soon as possible.

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