How do u know if u are going through depression?

Question

I mean I'm sure everybody has their really sad days..and it might continue for a while...but how would you know if u are going through "depression" without going to c a doctor?

Answer 1

Depression- 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.

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.

Answer 2

There are a lot of websites out there, but to put it easy for you,
If you feel tired all the time, avoid things you normally want to do, avoid friends and/or family members for no apparent reason, gain or lose weight without explanation, and this goes on for longer than a few days, then I would say that you definitely suffer from depression. Sometimes you can "get out of it" with therapy or going on medication for awhile, but, with myself, medication is a must. Some people experience something called "SAD", which is a seasonal depressive state, and it will go away during the brighter months, and come back every fall and winter. Go see your doctor. It is a chemical imbalance, not a cop out. Don't be a hero. No one else enjoys you being down in the dumps, either. Trust me.

Answer 3

Depression is precipitated by way of both lengthy strain, trauma, and/or a chemical imbalance. Also, a few humans undergo from lifestyles lengthy stipulations equivalent to manic despair and medical despair. None of those are remotely hooked up to 'sin', to any extent further than getting bird pox is a 'sin'. Two of my closest peers undergo despair; each attempted the whole thing feasible to restrict healing. Finally, each needed to take capsules and discovered that the more moderen anti depressants have labored like magic, whilst given on the correct dose.

Answer 4

when it takes all the energy you have to make yourself get out of bed and brush your teeth. When there is no joy in your life anymore. Things you liked to do before hold no interest for you. Lying in bed, watching tv, reading a book, no interest in anything more than that.

Answer 5

Signs and symptoms of depression include:

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook?nothing will ever get better and there?s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You?ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain?a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Answer 6

If you have depression, you may feel hopeless and sad or stop feeling pleasure from almost everything you do. You may feel “down in the dumps,” tearful, or discouraged. You may also be irritable or anxious or have low energy levels. The symptoms of depression are often subtle at first. It can be hard to recognize that symptoms may be connected and that you might have depression.

The two most significant symptoms of depression are: 3

Sadness or hopelessness.
Loss of interest in or pleasure from most daily activities.
Other symptoms include:

Losing or gaining weight because of changes in appetite.
Sleeping too much or not enough.
Feeling restless and unable to sit still, or feeling that moving takes a great effort.
Feeling tired all the time.
Feeling unworthy or guilty without an obvious reason.
Having problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Thinking often about death or suicide.
If you have at least five of these symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, and one of the symptoms is either sadness or loss of interest, you are diagnosed with major depression. But, if you have fewer than five symptoms, you may still be depressed and need treatment.

If you have 2 to 4 symptoms for a period of at least 2 years (1 year for a child), you may have a long-term form of depression called dysthymic disorder (dysthymia).

Many women experience mood changes before menstruation. Physical and emotional premenstrual symptoms that interfere with relationships or responsibilities are known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, women who have emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms that seriously interfere with daily life may have a type of depression known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). For more information see the topic Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Many health professionals see people with general symptoms that may be difficult to link to depression. These symptoms, which commonly occur with depression, include:

Having headaches and other body aches and pains.
Having digestive problems, including constipation or diarrhea.
Losing interest in sex or being unable to perform sexually.
Feeling anxious or worried without an obvious reason.
Blaming yourself or others for your depression.
Not moving or talking for hours.
Other symptoms of depression may include: 4, 3

Overeating and weight gain (rather than loss of appetite).
Oversleeping (rather than insomnia).
Increased tearfulness, anger, and generally not feeling well, along with anxiety and tension.
Sometimes, a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs.
Sensitivity to rejection.
Depression is a serious problem for people of any age, and older adults with symptoms of depression should seek treatment right away. Depression in older adults can cause confusion or forgetfulness (although some medications can cause these symptoms as well). Depression has also been identified as a significant risk factor for death in older adults with heart problems. 5

It is important to recognize the early warning signs of depression so that you can get treatment. If you think you may have depression, take a short quiz to evaluate your symptoms:

Interactive Tool: Are You Depressed?
The symptoms of depression are often subtle at first. It can be hard to recognize that symptoms may be connected and that you might have depression. Symptoms of depression in children and teens are sometimes different than adult symptoms, which can make it more difficult to diagnose and treat. For more information, see the topic Depression in Childhood and Adolescence.

Depression can lead to suicide. The warning signs of suicide change with age.

Warning signs of suicide in children and teens may include preoccupation with death or suicide or a recent breakup of a relationship.
Warning signs of suicide in adults may include alcohol or substance abuse, recent job loss, or divorce.
Warning signs of suicide in older adults may include the recent death of a partner or diagnosis of a life-limiting illness.