How to tell signs of depression!?

Answer 1

Signs and symptoms

Two hallmarks of depression — symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis — are:

* Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.
* Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.

In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

* Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
* Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
* Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
* Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
* Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
* Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
* Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
* Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression. In these groups, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Kids may pretend to be sick, worry that a parent is going to die, perform poorly in school, refuse to go to school, or exhibit behavioral problems. Older people may be more willing to discuss the physical manifestations of depression, instead of their emotional difficulties.

Types of depression
The main types of depression include:

* Major depression. This type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks. Symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This type of depression may result in poor sleep, a change in appetite, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression may increase the risk of suicide.
* Dysthymia. Dysthymia (dis-THI-me-uh) is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. Signs and symptoms usually aren't disabling, and periods of dysthymia can alternate with short periods of feeling normal. Having dysthymia places you at an increased risk of major depression.
* Adjustment disorders. If a loved one dies, you lose your job or you receive a diagnosis of cancer, it's perfectly normal to feel tense, sad, overwhelmed or angry. Eventually, most people come to terms with the lasting consequences of life stresses, but some don't. This is what's known as an adjustment disorder — when your response to a stressful event or situation causes signs and symptoms of depression. Some people develop an adjustment disorder in response to a single event. In others, it stems from a combination of stressors. Adjustment disorders can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting longer). Doctors classify adjustment disorders based on the primary signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety.
* Bipolar disorder. Having recurrent episodes of depression and elation (mania) is characteristic of bipolar disorder. Because this condition involves emotions at both extremes (poles), it's called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder. Mania affects your judgment, causing you to make unwise decisions. Some people have bursts of increased creativity and productivity during the manic phase. The number of episodes at either extreme may not be equal. Some people may have several episodes of depression before having another manic phase, or vice versa.
* Seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depression related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight. It may cause headaches, irritability and a low energy level.



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Answer 2

The main symptoms and signs of depression are the following:

persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
appetite and/or 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 chronic pain

Answer 3

I have been suffering from post partum depression for the past one year when I gave birth to a baby boy. I couldn't stop thinking about how my husband loves him more than me and how things might be better if he wasn't born at all. Thus, I stayed away from him because I knew that I might do something I will regret for the rest of my life.

Almost instantly I went to a therapist and convince them that I need help. Among other things, I've tried herbal supplements and other book to treat depression but nothing works like the Depression Free Method. So now I'm proud to say I'm one of the happiest mother in the world. My husband loves us both very much and I thank the Lord for the blessing he gave us.

Depression Free Method?

Answer 4

Withdrawer from friends and family,pessimistic,irrational eating habits.lack of sleep,too much thinking are all signs of depression

Answer 5

i have been through a case of depression,and it can be very scary.i found myself withdrawing from people, i felt lost inside myself. also i found it very difficult to get motivated to do even small tasks,i was confused about making decisions, and started to neglect family and friends.please see a doctor. there are some wonderful treatments and medacations to help with depresion. it is beatable, but only you canmake it happen.

Answer 6

you can do a google search for depression.then again you can also go to this website www.allaboutdepression.com.i hope you find what your looking for.some signs are lack of eating or overeating,sleeping to much,poor self esteem,there is more signs but that is only a few.and you only need to signs