Depression is a feeling of deep, deep sadness, despondency, and dejection.
It negatively affects how we feel, the way we think, and how we act.
It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in things we used to enjoy.
It is common in dialysis patients and is often a natural reaction to our situation.
Some signs of depression are:
- Always feeling sad
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things we once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite – weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too muchLoss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity like hand-wringing and pacing or slowed movements and speechFeeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisionsThoughts of death or suicide
Please note that some of these signs are also a natural, physical result of dialysis and do not necessarily point to depression. These are only general signs of depression.
