Affordable Health Care for you - Signs of Depression

Signs of Depression

There are many symptoms to depression. When asking a somebody to list the most common symptoms, a typical response is feeling sad or down for an extended period of time. A more clinical term is Anhedonia. Simply stated, this is when someone no longer finds pleasure is something that would typically bring happiness. The symptoms of clinical depression are much more involved and millions suffer every year.

Clinical depression has no boundaries and is characterized by any number of depressive disorders. People of any age, sex, economic status and geographic location are susceptible. The American Psychiatric Association provided recent statistics stating the United States alone has more than 17 million reported each year.

Life involves change. Each person will experience the blues throughout their life which is notably different compared to someone suffering from clinical depression. When someone experiences death of a loved one or the end of a long term relationship, the blues will hit. The feelings will linger for a short term and will eventually go away, but those battling clinical depression will find themselves struggling for extended periods of time struggle to gain ground.

The symptoms of clinical depression vary. If you find yourself or someone you know with the following, please consider seeking help from a licensed mental health professional:

A change in body mass. Depression may change your eating habits.
Extreme fatigue. If you find yourself lacking energy to participate is regular activities.
Trouble sleeping. If you sleep too much (hypersomnia) or sleep too little (insomnia).
Lack of personal hygiene. If you find yourself not wanting to shave, shower, brush teeth, etc.
Poor decision making. If you are unable to concentrate and experience loss of memory.
Poor general health. If you suffer from headaches, stomach pain, back pain, etc. and your family doctor does not find a diagnosable illness.
Overwhelming poor feelings. If you extended periods of feeling sad, worthless, hopeless and crying at various times throughout any given day.
Temper control issues. If you find yourself extremely irritable or experience other similar feelings.
Withdraw from activities. If you stop participating in social functions, daily obligations and/or other activities you find enjoyable.
Thoughts of suicide. If you experience thoughts of suicide and death.

A typical diagnosis for depression is when a combination of the above symptoms exists for two or more weeks. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please consider seeking professional care from a licensed mental health practitioner. Therapy and medication have proven extremely successful in the treatment of clinical depression.

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