Symptoms of depression vary but most people have at least a few common signs that lead them to seek treatment.
Depression is very common - the most common of the mental illnesses - and can affect anyone from a young person to an adult, male or female. While everyone feels sad sometimes, depression is a prolonged sadness that the sufferer feels as if he or she just can't "snap out of." Often times, people describe living with depression as being in a world where everything is clouded and nothing is as bright or exciting as it used to be. The good news is depression is treatable when the symptoms are recognized and proper help is sought.
Symptoms of depression vary and the experience is different for each person, however, there are some common signs that you can look for to see if you or someone you know may be depressed and need professional help. If the person is exhibiting any of the following signs, it is best to seek professional help from a doctor.
Feelings of extreme sadness, pessimism - A depressed person often has difficulty smiling, laughing, or simply seeing positive aspects of her environment, including the people that surround her. This can be exhibited with crying for seemingly no reason and negative comments or thoughts about her surroundings or the future.
Irritability, restlessness - depression often brings with it feelings of being slowed down and a lack of patience.
Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or guilt - Depressed people see the world as a place where they do not add much significance and they often feel guilty for making decisions or doing things that may not make "everyone" happy.
Inability to make decisions - Simple choices such as what to eat for dinner or what clothes to wear become difficult, if not impossible, for people suffering from depression.
Change in appetite - A change in appetite that is accompanied by extreme weight loss or gain that cannot be explained is a sign of depression.
Change in sleeping patterns - Waking up earlier than usual, fitful nights of sleep, inability to sleep, and sleeping longer than typical all can be signs of this mental illness.
Loss of interest or loss of enjoyment in usual activities or hobbies - This could be a sign of depression if you or someone you know used to enjoy an activity such as taking long walks, but now this simple activity has become a chore rather than an source of happiness.
Inability to concentrate - The inability to follow a conversation or focus on a particular task for more than a few seconds can be a sign that depression is affecting someone's life.
Loss of energy - Feeling tired even when well-rested or not very active can be a sign that one should seek professional guidance.
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment - Headaches, digestive disorders, chronic pain that do not get better using normal treatment methods could be signs of something larger, such as depression.
Thoughts of death/suicide - This is a common sign, but is not a necessity for someone to be diagnosed as depressed. If you or someone you know is having thoughts or talking about death or suicide, you need immediate help and should contact your community suicide hotline or hospital for assistance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a combination of any of the above symptoms and has been experiencing them for 2 weeks or more, it is best to seek help from a medical professional. Today, most general practitioners are trained to screen for depression so it is a good idea to make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your symptoms. While not every person who experiences the above symptoms is depressed, it is best to be safe and get a diagnosis from a professional so that you can seek treatment if it is needed and get back to feeling like "you."
