what are some signs of depression?

Answer 1

Symptoms

According to the DSM-IV-TR criteria for diagnosing a major depressive disorder (cautionary statement) one of the following two elements must be present for a period of at least two weeks:

* Depressed mood, or
* Anhedonia

It is sufficient to have either of these symptoms in conjunction with five of a list of other symptoms over a two-week period. These include:

* Feelings of overwhelming sadness and/or fear, or the seeming inability to feel emotion (emptiness).
* A decrease in the amount of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, daily activities.
* Changing appetite and marked weight gain or loss.
* Disturbed sleep patterns, such as insomnia, loss of REM sleep, or excessive sleep (Hypersomnia).
* Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day.
* Fatigue, mental or physical, also loss of energy.
* Intense feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, isolation/loneliness and/or anxiety.
* Trouble concentrating, keeping focus or making decisions or a generalized slowing and obtunding of cognition, including memory.
* Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), desire to just "lie down and die" or "stop breathing", recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
* Feeling and/or fear of being abandoned by those close to one.

Other symptoms often reported but not usually taken into account in diagnosis include:

* Self-loathing.
* A decrease in self-esteem.
* Inattention to personal hygiene.
* Sensitivity to noise.
* Physical aches and pains, and the belief these may be signs of serious illness.
* Fear of 'going mad'.
* Change in perception of time.
* Periods of sobbing.
* Possible behavioral changes, such as aggression and/or irritability.

Depression in children is not as obvious as it is in adults. Here are some symptoms that children might display:

* Loss of appetite.
* Irritability.
* Sleep problems, such as recurrent nightmares.
* Learning or memory problems where none existed before.
* Significant behavioral changes; such as withdrawal, social isolation, and aggression.

An additional indicator could be the excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Depressed adolescents are at particular risk of further destructive behaviours, such as eating disorders and self-harm.

One of the most widely used instruments for measuring depression severity is the Beck Depression Inventory, a 21-question multiple choice survey.

It is hard for people who have not experienced clinical depression, either personally or by regular exposure to people suffering it, to understand its emotional impact and severity, interpreting it instead as being similar to "having the blues" or "feeling down." As the list of symptoms above indicates, clinical depression is a serious, potentially lethal systemic disorder characterized by the psychiatric profession as interlocking physical, affective, and cognitive symptoms that have consequences for function and survival well beyond sad or painful feelings

Answer 2

The feeling of depression is one of emotional suffering, sometimes seen as a mental analogue of physical pain. Someone who is depressed may be said to have a 'heavy heart', or if more seriously depressed be 'broken-hearted', because of a common sensation of the emotion in the chest. Other somatic expressions can be a sense of 'low spirits', a 'drag' or being weighed down, and a heaviness in breathing, expressed as despondent or dejected sighing. It may also be associated with apathy, boredom, emptiness and lack of any positive source of interest or joy. Depression, however, is a medical condition. You can be sad, yet, not be depressed. Depression can be a hormonal imbalance that needs to be treated. It may be caused by a loss or personal failure (as in sadness), personal rejection, or indeed by any undesired outcome or situation, particularly if the situation happens or continues despite the efforts of the subject. In addition to sadness, there can in a depressed mood be a conscious resignation that the unpleasant situation is difficult to change. Usually whatever causes the state of depression is consciously recognised as the cause, which is not necessarily the case with longer-term clinical depression. Other conscious factors in maintaining depression may be loneliness and long-term stress. All these factors combine under the heading of innate emotional needs, known as human givens, not being met causing the person to worry excessively. External affective signs of depressed mood also include a physical hunching or stooping, or putting the head in the hands, and an appearance of being physically subdued, and flatness of speech.

Answer 3

Recognizing depression is often the biggest hurdle to diagnosing and treating depression. Unfortunately, approximately half of the people who experience depression never get diagnosed or treated for their illness. And not getting treatment can be life threatening: More than 10% of people battling depression commit suicide.

When depression is negatively affecting your life -- such as causing difficulties with relationships, work issues, or family disputes -- and there isn't a clear solution to these problems, then you should seek help to prevent things from getting worse, especially if these feelings persist for any length of time.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, seek help immediately! What Factors Can Trigger Depression?
Grief (loss of a loved one through death, divorce, or separation).
Interpersonal disputes (conflict with a significant other or a superior; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse).
Role transitions (moving, graduation, job change, retirement).
Interpersonal deficits (leading to social isolation or feelings of being deprived).
Not everyone has a trigger for a depressive episode

Answer 4

A disruption of normal sleep habits, usually sleeping too much, but it can be too little, too.

A change in appetite--again, it can go either way.

Crying easily and inappropriately.

Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Inability to perform and enjoy usual activities, hobbies.

Irritability and withdrawal from others.

Thoughts or vocalizations of suicide.

Loss of interest in appearance or surroundings.

Therapy and medications can be very effective in treating depression. Get help quickly. Life's too short to live it this way. Good luck.

Answer 5

Crying uncontrollably, wanting to be alone, anger, sleeping most the day, not wanting to go out. All these things for two weeks or longer is depression. Otherwise your just down.

Answer 6

Constant sadness, loss of appetite, inability to complete normal everyday tasks, inability to sleep, overeating, wanting to always be alone......

The symptoms can be different for everyone, but chances are if you think you or someone else is depressed, you or they are!!!

Answer 7

Feeling sad, lonely, not wanting to go out with friends, eating and sleeping disorders, low sex drive, addictions...

To get more information, go to www.webmd.com and www.about.com

Both are good sources

For treatment options, I recommend that you take a look at Bach Flower Essences and Homeopathy, with Reiki added. If you need more information about these healing techniques, mail me.

Answer 8

difficulty sleeping, crying uncontrollably without really knowing why, anxiety, lack of motivation, indifference to things you normally appreciated or enjoyed. Suicidal thoughts. You may not necessarily have all of this symptoms but these are the most common ones noted.

Answer 9

Loss of sleep, being tired, suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite or more appetite, lack of motivation, mood swings. I deal with these everyday.

Answer 10

Lack of care about appearance and hygene,insomnia,loss of appetite,overeating,sleeping too much,loss of interest in hobbies,socializing,decreased libido,drug or alcohol abuse.