Signs & Symptoms of Depression |
Originally published in Meftih, November 2006
It is not unusual to feel sad or depressed from time to time. Sadness is a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles or injured self-esteem. Sometimes, however, these feelings are so continually intense that they interfere with one’s ability to think, work, eat, sleep, enjoy being with others or care for one’s self. When someone experiences a debilitating depression and feels unable to do anything about it, other people need to pay attention even if the depressed person does not reach out for help.
Depression has many different faces. You probably know people with stories similar to these:
- Sam lost his job due to downsizing. At first, he distributed his résumes and did a lot of job-hunting, but now he sits in front of the TV all day, drinking beer. He yells a lot at his wife and kids.
- Lenora used to be an active senior citizen until her husband died. Then her medical condition worsened. Now she is a virtual shut-in who keeps her curtains closed and only goes out for doctors’ appointments.
- Lucy is a single working mom with young children. Her family lives in another province. The only people she knows even slightly are her colleagues at work. She doesn’t sleep well. She is so tired she can barely move and it’s getting harder for her to focus on her job or kids.
- John works at home. He has no social contact or diversion. He works all the time, but recently he has become so tense that he finds it difficult to concentrate on his work.
Depression is an internal “stress state.” To an outsider, the symptoms seem to represent a form of either agitation or withdrawal. But inside, each depressed person experiences the condition differently. The severity of symptoms varies with the individual and over time. Some people exhibit a few of the following symptoms. Others may have many.
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts.
The symptoms of depression create a buffer between others and us, thereby diminishing both the quantity and quality of social interaction. Depression isolates us, disables us, and can contribute to deteriorating physical and emotional health.
Suicidal thoughts are the most serious symptom of depression and must always be taken seriously. If you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the following warning signs, seek professional help right away:
(Source: National Institute of Mental Health)
Contact me for all your writing needs.
