How do you know if it's depression or just a period of the blues?

Answer 1

consider symptoms of depression (all the following to be measured vs your "normal self"):
- (strongly) disturbed sleep: sleep (much) more (or less), trouble falling asleep, waking up a lot in the middle of the night, etc
- disturbed appetite: eat (much) more (or less)
- (much) lower libido, as in no sex in extended periods of time (where a partner is available)
- thoughts about hurting (or killing) yourself, thoughts that the world would be a better place w/o you
- lack of energy
- no more joy in doing things you used to enjoy, seeing the people you used to enjoy seeing
- feelings of anxiety
- short temper
- lack of concentration, difficulty making decisions

If you get most of the above, most of the days, for a couple weeks, it could very well be depression.

But of course there are no exact answers. After a couple weeks of most of the above symptoms, for most of the days, you could (1) take one of the many tests available on-line - search for "depression symtoms" (and be careful that many such tests are sponsored by vendors of anti-depression drugs!), or better (2) go see a therapist at least once, for professional advice.

good luck

Answer 2

There are different kinds of depression - if it's bipolar that means you have a chemical imbalance in the brain, which is characterized by frequent and extreme moodswings - extreme happiness and sadness, and requires anti-depressant treatments (drugs such as lithium).

The difference between depression and the blues is the length of time it lasts. Depression is a deep sadness that remains for a prolonged period of time. It can also be charaterized by a number of symptoms: change in sleeping patterns (either sleeping too much, or not sleeping at all), change in eating patterns (weight loss or weight gain), bodily pains that don't respond to treatment and have no apparent diagnosis, excessive crying, loss of interest. (Anti-depressant drugs are optional, but recommended - such as Xanax, Zoloft, Prozac etc.)

Answer 3

I would assume to begin with that it is a period of the blues. If it lasts a long time and it is changing how you live your life then I would think its depression. It would also be advisable not to listen to us yahoos but rather to ask someone who knows what they are talking about.

Answer 4

The rule of thumb is if you have those feelings for two weeks or more, it's probably depression. With depression it's not necessarily sadness per se - often it's hopelessness or a persistent "gray" feeling. Depression has physical symptoms too, like aches and pains, insomnia, exhaustion, appetite changes, and sexual problems. If you have these symptoms, you should definitely seek help as soon as possible.

Answer 5

Depression is a chronic condition, which takes place over time. Blues come and go during certain times, holidays, when you miss people, when your job sucks or you're just feeling blue. To find the difference, check out this page: http://www.briomag.com/briomagazine/healthandbeauty/a0004569.html

I hope you feel better.

Answer 6

if your "blues" last more than two weeks or you have entertained serious thoughts of suicide then seek immediate medical attention. if you can't seem to get out of bed or you have lost interest in things that you would normally do like fishing or running or quilting ect.... if your normally clean house is becoming seriously dirty. these are many indicators of serious depression. get help if you have some of these symptoms or even the fact that you are asking this question is an indicator that you know you need to seek help. good luck

Answer 7

You really can't make that determination on your own - you need a doctor - a psychiatrist.
There are, basically, two kinds of depression - situational and (can't think of the word, but constant). Have you had a very bad experience of late? Like a death, divorce, job loss, etc. It could be situational.
Please consult with a Psychiatrist.

Answer 8

If it last a longer period of time a couple of weeks and if you are crying a lot can't concentrate, loss if interest in hobbies, wanting to isolate yourself.....weather change can give you the blues (seasonal) don't sit and worry about it you will worry yourself sick over it just give it time I'm sure it will pass

Answer 9

Go to a website offering a questinaire on depression. Just type in depression and zoom around till you find one. Answer the questions and see how you rate. You will have your answer. If you "flunk", print it out and go see your physcian and let them know. There are sooooo many meds out there that he/she can prescribe for it. I am on Lexapro and love it. I feel better already.
Good luck

Answer 10

When you draw a warm bath and take a shotgun in the bathroom with you I think it might be depression.