What would you say are the symptoms of depression?

Question

I have been quite worried about my own emotional state, and the emotional states of my friends. Some of my friends say that I have depression, and I was just wondering what the signs to look for are. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Depression is a whole-body illness - it involves the body, nervous system, moods, thoughts, and behaviour. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you react to and think about the people and things around you. Symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. There are many types of depression, with variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.
People with depression typically withdraw and hide from society. They lose interest in things around them and become incapable of experiencing pleasure. Symptoms of depression include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances (either insomnia or excessive sleeping), changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, digestive disorders, restlessness, irritability, quickness to anger, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies, and feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. Many think of death and consider suicide. Things appear to be bleak and time seems to pass slowly. A person with depression may be chronically angry and irritable, sad and despairing, or display little or no emotion at all. Some try to "sleep off" depression, or do nothing but sit or lie around.
The cause of depression are not fully understood, but they are probably many and varied. Depression can be triggered by a number of things, tension, stress, a traumatic life event, chemical imbalances in the brain, thyroid disorder, upset stomach, headache, nutritional deficiences, poor diet, the consumption of sugar, mononucleosis, lack of exercise, endometriosis, any serious physical disorder, or allergies Hypo-glycemia (low blood sugar) is another common cause of depression.
There is quite a bit more information on depression. I just gave you the highlights. If you do suspect that you have depression talk to your doctor or some health care professional. I hope this has been of some help. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Not wanting to get out of bed, or leave the house. Unable to find the energy or the will to shower, dress, put make-up on, if you're a woman, wear the same clothes for days on end, fixate on depressing stuff, like death, those whom you have loved and have passed on. If you were a happy person in the past you would know when depression has settled inside of you because you just aren't happy anymore.

Answer 3

I would just definately see a doctor and tell him. I've been diagnosed with depression, but it really is different for everyone. Everyone handles everything differently.

I lost twenty pounds, I would stay in my room and cry for days. I barely ate whatsoever, I felt hopeless. My doctor described me as "flat affect", meaning, nothing really just seemed to matter to me in some ways. Just, see your doctor and explain to him. It's different for everyone. I really hope you get the right treatment for you if you are, and I hope things will be alright. I've had depression for over a year and a half, and I'm finally starting to feel the way I used to, happy again! :)

Answer 4

Wow - there are so many - and not everyone has the same ones. Irritability, anger, lack of interest in your normal activities, sadness, feelings of hopelessness lasting longer than once! There are many good web sites on this. Just google depression and you can be reading for hours. Take care!

Answer 5

You actually sound more anxious than depressed! You can look crap up on the computer 'til the cows come home. But you won't get any real answers until you see a psychologist or psychiatrist. You need to be diagnosed by an expert.

Answer 6

I agree with everyones comments, so I shan't write them again. I know that it's hard and difficult to come out of depression, but it can be done.

I can't help but wonder, what prompted you to ask this question? Don't allow yourself to be labelled as depressed because that's what others think of you. Just be you, and try to stay positive. This helps a lot!

Answer 7

A major depressive episode may include these symptoms:

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Low appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and pain for which no other cause can be diagnosed.

Answer 8

Lack of energy, lack of caring, feeling worthless, fatigue, or, insomnia, weight gain, or weight loss. You should really see your Doctor if you're concerned. There's lots of great meds out there for depression if you need it ~

Answer 9

see your doctor don't rely on people on ths thing for andy relevant answers

Answer 10

lack of interest, hopelessness, no appetite, no desire, letting yourself go like not brushing your teeth or hair.