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Recognizing the Signs of Depression

Could you recognize your own signs of depression?

Yes, in addition to changes in sleeping, appetite, eating, concentration etc. that last on and on, you can recognize depression by clues like:

no self esteem, feeling worthless

apathy, retreating from life

you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try

you are constantly irritated with people or become enraged even at small things – and this is new for you

you have thoughts that life is not worth living,

or you have a plan for how you would end your life (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

Mayo Clinic gives us this list of signs of depression.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION INCLUDE:

Low or zero self esteem

Loss of interest in normal daily activities

Feeling sad or down

Feeling hopeless

Crying spells for no apparent reason

Problems sleeping

Trouble focusing or concentrating

Difficulty making decisions

Unintentional weight gain or loss

Irritability

Restlessness

Being easily annoyed

Feeling fatigued or weak

Feeling worthless

Loss of interest in sex

Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior

Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Symptoms of depression symptoms can vary greatly because different people experience depression differently. A 25-year-old depressed woman may not have the same symptoms as a 70-year-old one, for instance.

For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it's obvious something isn't right. Others may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when sadness takes hold and won't go away, it's time to look at depression. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it difficult, if not impossible, to function.

THE HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "FEELING DEPRESSED" AND the CLINICAL DEFINITION OF DEPRESSION

Many people use the word “depression” to explain the kinds of feeling listed above, but that is really situational depression, which is a normal, healthy reaction to events around us.

The despondency of clinical depression is unrelenting and overwhelming. Some people describe it as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. They can't escape their unhappiness and despair.

However, there are some people with depression who don't feel despairing and unhappy at all. Instead, they feel lifeless and empty. In this apathetic state, they are unable to experience pleasure. Even when participating in activities they used to enjoy, they feel as if they're just going through the motions.

UNTREATED DEPRESSION IS DANGEROUS

Not only is depression hard on your health because it disrupts basic bodily functions like sleeping, eating and exercising are as well impairing mental function, but untreated depression also increases the likelihood of addictions, broken relationships, and having serious health breakdowns such as stroke or heart attack. Suicidal thoughts are a symptom of severe depression, and must always be taken seriously. If someone you know is threatening suicide or talking of wanting to hurt him/herself, seek professional help right away.

If you are feeling suicidal, know that there are many people who want to support you during this difficult time. Even if it is the last thing you feel like doing, reach out for help.

Call 1-800-273-TALK now!

ARE YOU DEALING WITH SIGNS OF STRESS OR SIGNS OF DEPRESSION?

Remember that feeling depressed is often a normal reaction to a stressful life situation. For example, it is normal to feel lower than low after a major disappointment, or to have trouble sleeping or eating after a difficult relationship break-up. You may have lots of signs of depression, but usually with time, or perhaps after talking to a friend or a professional counsellor, we gradually start to feel like ourselves again.

Talking with people who've "been there" or a professional, can help you figure out if what you are dealing with are more like these symptoms of stress that would call for serious stress management changes in your life, or whether you are looking at serious or chronic signs of depression indicating depression medication, with the aid of good medical counsel should be considered".