Depression Warning Signs
There are several signs of clinical depression that help a healthcare professional determine if a person is suffering from depression.
In general, a person must have five (or more) of the symptoms listed below during the same two-week period.
These symptoms must represent a change from the way he or she used to function.
Signs of Clinical Depression
- Depressed or irritable mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex or being with friends) most of the day, nearly every day
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A sudden change in weight (weight loss without dieting, gaining more than 5% of body weight in one month), or a change in appetite
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much, nearly every day
- Agitation or restlessness, nearly every day
- Constant fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
- Frequent feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions nearly every day
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (or a suicide attempt or plan)
Important Note
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, seek help from a healthcare professional or call 911. You are helping, not hurting them or yourself.
The call to 911 is what saved my life! I was not grateful at the time, but after a couple of days I was very thankful my doctor made the call.
The symptoms must cause significant distress in your ability to function. This means that the symptoms have a negative affect how you function in day-to-day activities socially, at your job or in any aspect of your life.
Clinical Depression Symptoms are Not the Same for Everyone
You don't need to experience all of the signs of clinical depression listed above to be diagnosed with depression. Symptoms will also vary from person to person.
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It is important to remember that depression is a medical condition like any other. And, just as there are treatments for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, there are treatment options available for depression.
Depression most of the time is a chemical imbalance and all it takes is taking medicine to help get it straight again.
Be sure to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional , be it a psychiatrist, psychologist, or your family doctor to determine if you are suffering from depression.
If you are experiencing a few of the symptoms listed or you just have that "feeling" make an appointment to discuss it with someone.
If you don't want to take the big step to a mental health professional, take time to talk to your family doctor they can help guide you in the best decision for YOU!