We all feel depressed at times. This is a normal reaction to life`s struggles. I always had periods when depression was short and I recovered fast, seen the world with different eyes.
If you feel that it`s overwhelming you, probably it`s time to seek medical help. If you ignore it and leave everything untreated, a major depression will last for years, it will make your life miserable and in the end could possibly lead to suicide.
Since we are talking about the common signs and symptoms of depression I will create a list with them. Keep in mind that statistics claims the following: one out of every 10 people affected by depression will usually commit suicide. It means that for some people, depression may take them from one or more symptoms to thoughts of suicide and in the end to suicide attempts. Not to all of them but this is what happened to me long time ago, the evolution of depression in my case.
Here is a list with signs and symptoms of depression :
( According to National Institute of Mental Health )
- experience all kind of feelings such as hopelessness, emptiness or pessimism
( nothing works, there is nothing out there, this world is not going to recover )
- anxious, persistent sad
( my brother should be home already, why he isn`t here already ? I hope nothing bad happened )
- bad mood throughout the day
( my father lost his phone and tomorrow is expecting an important call )
- feelings of helplessness, guilt ( excessive guilt sometimes ) or worthlessness
( nothing is going to work, it`s my fault but I can`t do nothing about it, it`s too late )
- restlessness or irritability
( I have no ideea why everything and everyone gets on my nerves )
- loss of interest in different activities such as your favourite hobby, including sex
( no more interested in fishing, going out and everything that once brought pleasure )
- fatigue-decreased energy
( exhaustion, lethargy, languidness, languor, lassitude, and listlessness )
- difficulty concentrating such as remembering details or making decisions
( can`t remember things and details and I can`t make a decision like I did once )
- excessive sleeping or insomnia, wakefulness early-morning
( sleeping or insomnia may alternate )
- appetite loss
( body weight changes, usually more than 5 % in a month )
- overeating
( same as appetite loss but gaining 5 % or more in a month )
- headaches, cramps, digestive problems
( including back pain, stomach pain. and aching muscles )
- thoughts of suicide
( wish to die )
- suicide attempts
( it may try again until depression or illness has been completely solved )
Keep in mind that signs and symptoms of depression may vary depending on the individual: children and teens, women, men, older adults and his/her/ particular illness. They do not experience the same signs or symptoms and that`s why it`s always best to consult a doctor. After his examination he may refer you to psychologist, psychiatrist, or psycho-pharmacologist depending on severity, frequency and other diagnostics. The best course of treatment will probably be based on psychotherapy, antidepressants or both of them. The mental health specialist should be able to identify symptoms of depression for the proper diagnosis of depression.
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