Signs of Depression

Posted by Rinda on 17/05/2009

Recognizing the Signs of Depression

By Rinda Ismar

Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Most cases of depression are actually undiagnosed, even though the signs of depression are easily observed. A lot of people are embarrassed, even ashamed, of how they are feeling that even if they do recognize the signs of depression, they keep to themselves, choosing not to go to a doctor for help. Many also feel they are simply experiencing “the blues” and so they tend to dismiss the more obvious signs of depression.

Depression is an illness that shouldn’t be ignored or dismissed. It can get worse over time if not diagnosed and treated, and can negatively affect a person’s life. Because depression is one of the most common disorders today, it’s important to learn to recognize the signs of depression.

* Prolonged Sadness: One of the most common signs of depression is sadness or not feeling up for anything. Do you often find yourself not in the mood for anything, preferring to simply mope in your room feeling sorry for yourself? While it’s normal to feel not “up to it” once in a while, feeling this way for a prolonged period can be a sign of depression.

* Hopelessness and Negativity: Another one of the common signs of depression is a feeling of hopelessness. Depressed people feel there is nothing for them to live for. They’re also pessimist; they regard everything negatively.

* Guilt, Low Self-Esteem, Helplessness: People who are depressed tend to be guilt-driven, have low self-esteem and feel helpless. Many depressed people feel guilty over something they’ve done and this causes them to feel they have no right to be happy. They have low self-esteem and feel they’re helpless to make things better.

* Disinterest in Finding or Taking Pleasure: Another one of the common signs of depression is disinterest in something that used to be pleasurable. Depressed people would usually stop doing the things they love to do and used to enjoy.

* Fatigue: Depressed people usually feel exhausted. They lack energy to do physical things and usually feel sluggish. They may find it hard to drag themselves out of bed in the morning; they would rather stay in bed all day (or even days).

* Trouble Concentrating, Bad Memory, Indecisive: People with depression have a hard time focusing on things, even on the simplest of tasks. They tend to lose track of and easily forget things. They also have a hard time making decisions.

Other signs of depression include lack of sleep (insomnia), sleeping too much, and waking up at odd hours. People who are depressed may either lose their appetite or eat too much, as well as experience sudden weight loss or weight gain. Headaches, digestive problems, body aches, restlessness and irritability are other physical signs of depression. Suicidal thoughts, morbid fascination with death, and wanting to die are the more serious signs of this disorder.

If you (or someone you know) exhibit any of the signs of depression mentioned above, particularly the more serious ones, seeek help immediately. Don’t try to hide it or deal with it alone. Talk to someone you are close to, and more importantly, see a doctor. Depression is something you shouldn’t feel ashamed of; the sooner you get diagnosed and receive the proper treatment, the sooner you can live a happy life.

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