Symptoms of Depression – are you Depressed?
Depression is a serious mental disorder not to be confused with ânormalâ bad or depressed mood experienced by everyone sometimes. If a depression sufferer does not realise that he is depressed his life may be virtual hell without any obvious exit scenario. Many such patients drag along for years without treatment that could easily alleviate their depression. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms of depression and to be able to read the signs of depression when they occur. An early realisation that one experiences the symptoms of depression can in the most extreme cases virtually save lives, and even in light cases of depression often guarantee proper treatment of the disorder and a reversion to a good and joyful life. So what are the signs of depression most commonly seen?
One of the common signs of depression is a general loss of energy leading to persistent lethargy and to a lack of interest in most daily activities or even ones that one previously liked, such as hobbies. This goes often also hand in hand with social withdrawal. Another symptom of depression, probably the one most often associated with this mental disorder, is a deep and prolonged sadness, commonly without any apparent cause, which may even lead to unexplainable crying spells. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt without a rational cause are also usual signs of depression. The depressed patient also suffers from a profound pessimism about his own future and the future of his social network and often even the world in general. This is often coupled with a total indifference towards almost anything and anyone. Indecisiveness and an inability to concentrate properly on tasks at hand are also symptoms of depression that occur regularly. The depressed patient may have problems to fall asleep and to keep sleeping without waking up in the middle of the night, leading to permanent sleepiness during the day. Interestingly there are also cases where the patient sleeps more than usual. Another, though relatively minor, symptom of depression is loss of appetite. Among the most serious signs of depression is obsessive thinking of disease and death, and even suicidal thoughts, which in the worst case may lead to suicide attempts. Anxiety is also often associated with depression as is a general irritability and agitation. Besides those more well-known signs and symptoms of depression organic diseases are often associated with depression. Patients suffering from unexplainable organ pains are sadly often treated purely for the organic disease, while the underlying cause may well be depression or another mental disorder.
Concluding it must be pointed out that one does not necessarily need to experience all symptoms of depression to be regarded depressed. Also, the intensity of the symptoms of depression may vary over time and from patient to patient, also depending on the kind of depression she has. In any case, if you or anyone you know shows all or more of the signs of depression listed above it is definitely advised to take action sooner rather than later. To get a proper diagnosis of the condition the first way should lead to a medical practitioner who will also be able to verify the symptoms of depression and to advise on the best treatment for the specific depression case. Always keep in mind: Depression is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, but there are many highly effective ways available to treat it once it is properly diagnosed.
Alex Matis
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/symptoms-of-depression-are-you-depressed-134103.html
October 9th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Is it possible to have a lot of the symptoms of depression without actually being depressed?
Also, is it possible for people who know you well (parents, best friends..) to think that you’re perfectly fine if you’re depressed?
I’m not saying likely… Just possible.
October 9th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Absolutely, we all have low points in our life and it doesn’t mean we’re depressed, just temporarily bummed out. Depression is when it’s severe and consistant for a long period of time.
My family didn’t know I was depressed until I told them 5 years later. So absolutely it’s possible. Although it’s unlikely they won’t notice any changes in said depressed individual.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Yes to both questions. Hypothyroidism can mimic depression as can other types of diseases. And, yes, it is possible for people who know you well to think that you’re perfectly fine when you really are depressed.
I suggest going to your doctor to see what he or she thinks. Tell your doctor what your symptoms are and let him or her make a decision. You may also want to ask your doctor to do blood work. Sometimes a low blood count will make you extremely tired, ONE symptom of depression, and yet there really is something biologically wrong going on. So, get it all checked out before concluding you are actually depressed.
I
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
dont know
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
tough question. i avoided my symtoms for about 2 years until i continued to get worse and my family noticed that something was wrong with me. best thing to do is to see a doctor. Depression is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms which last a long time ( longer than 2 weeks) it isnt just the blues. and every person is different whether your parents or friends notice or not, it’s how you feel that matters. Depression isnt a prison sentence and with time you can learn to handle your triggers.( i.e. stress etc )mine hasnt totally disappeared,i’ve just learned how to handle the day to day a little better. try a diary, write down what and when and be specific about what youre feeling. Then see your doctor.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Ya you could be just really stressed out at the moment. And of course your parents and friends might not know what your going through if you dont speak up. I used to act really depressed and sad at home because i was depressed and my parents knew it but at school and stuff i didnt want my friends to know what i was going through so i would act really happy and they never knew what was going on.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Oh Yeah! Little things can bring you down…. time of the month, weather, friends and family, people in general, yourself. As long as you are aware of how you feel, you can be strong and try and snap yourself out of that dark area. Try and stay positive for yourself. Only you know how you feel and don’t let anyone tell you different!
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
if it’s temporary, i guess.
And, it’s very possiable for family/friends to not know. mine don’t get it. It’s actually easy to put up a shield from the world, it kinda helps, but it doesn’t at the same time
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life, specifically, mine
October 9th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Absolutely. Though, life is what you make of it! It is possible to show signs of delirious joy without actually being happy also. Choose happy
It is insensitive for people who know you well to ignore your unhappiness.
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