How to Spot the Signs and Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression are often subtle at first. The two most significant symptoms of depression are Sadness or Hopelessness. However there are other symptoms of depression. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is usually the toughest part and is critical to the treatment of depression. Take a look at the following symptoms of depression below.

Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs and Symptoms of Depression.

It's critical to understand the early warning signs of depression so that you can recognize them and get the treatment you deserve. Everybody's symptoms of depression show up in different ways and in different degrees of those symptoms, but usually, they're severe enough to mess up your everyday life.

First realize that in order to be classified as depression, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks. So what are the symptoms?

Well here's a list:

-Persistent sadness or unhappiness
-Lethargy
-Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
-Irritability
-Sudden change in appetite
-Disruption of normal sleep pattern
-Physical discomfort
-Difficulty thinking or concentrating
-Thoughts of suicide or death
-Anxious, numb, or"empty" mood
-Feelings of worthlessness
-Helplessness
-Guilt
-Feelings of hopelessness
-Pessimism
-Insomnia
-Early-morning awakening
-Oversleeping
-Decreased energy
-Increased appetite with weight gain
-Decreased appetite with weight loss
-Thoughts of self-injury
-Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, backaches, etc.

Obviously with all of these symptoms it would seem like everyone is a candidate for depression. However, remember that these symptoms of depression should last at least 2 weeks before you should seek treatment. You should also consider what is triggering your symptoms. Is it something relatively minor that before wouldn't bother you but now causes you to feel down for days on end?

Look, I now it's hard to be objective when your dealing with depression but try to take a step back, look at the above symptoms and take an account of how long you've been dealing with them and what caused them.

So what about Treatments?

Treatments can include medication, psychological/psychiatric therapy and even lifestyle changes. If you've looked back over the list and discovered that you have had at least 5 of the symptoms for at least 2 weeks or longer, and one of the symptoms is either sadness or loss of interest, you might be diagnosed with major depression that deserves looking into treatment. However, even if you've got fewer than 5 symptoms, you may still be depressed and need some type of treatment. Remember, not getting treatment can be life threatening.

You may want to talk with a close friend or family member you can trust about how you're feeling. Chances are they've noticed anyway but didn't want to say anything. They can often verify some of the symptoms with you.

There are also numerous resources available in bookstores or online that can help you pinpoint depression and in some cases even help you end your depression.

Finally, talk to your doctor about your symptoms of depression the moment you notice them and get the help you deserve and before it gets worse. (Personal, non-professional warning: Do your homework before agreeing to any drugs---there may be other options with less harmful side effects.)

Whatever you do, seek help of some kind. If you don't seek help the condition and the symptoms of depression will more than likely get worse and worse over time. And they can be deadly.