Signs Of Depression

Would you rush to your doctor when you feel sad or when you missed a few nights' sleep? I bet you wouldn't. But maybe, just maybe, you should. Why? Because you probably do whatever the majority does and blame it to stress, But these may be signs of depression. And if they are, they'd better not be ignored...

All experts agree on one thing: depression would not be the huge problem it is today if it would have been easier to read and recognize the signs of depression. Depression can be cured. All a victim of depression has to do is see a doctor and ask for help. As soon as possible. Once depression sets in, time is not on your side. The problem is, most people recognize depression once they are in it over their head. What if they would have been able to recognize the signs of depression earlier...

What starts with feeling sad can well end in committing suicide. Depression is not to be underestimated or ignored. As we speak, around 10 to 15 million Americans (depending on what experts you listen to) are depressed. A frightening large number of them will think of ending their life. And it gets worse: by the end of this day, some will actually have died by their own hands. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters took their own life because they just couldn't handle it anymore. Depression kills.

Depression doesn't show like any common illnesses. There is no physical pain, no bruces, blood, swellings or fever. A depressed person may well be as healthy as they come. Physically, that is. Depression is a hidden disease. You may not see the bruces, but they are certainly there. And you'll find them, and maybe even save a life, once you've learned to read the signs of depression.

When it comes to recognizing depression, it is never about one symptom or sign. It's always a combination of symptoms that give depression away. Professionals can even determine the kind of depression by looking at the combination. For amateurs like you and me, just knowing the symptoms is enough.

Feeling sad, blue, helpless, guilt, empty, worthless, frustrated, lost, angry and miserable are overall signs of any kind of depression. We're not talking about feeling sad because your cat died or you screwed up an exam. We're talking about feeling sad 24/7 for at least two weeks - and probably for no apparent reason whatsoever.

Sports, reading, taking the dog out for a walk on a sunny afternoon, hanging out with the boys. A depressed person will lose interest in any pleasurable activity. They tend to avoid pleasure instead of seeking it.

When you notice people how are normally talking "an hour in 15 minutes", stop talking or only talk about negative emotions (including matters of life and dead!) you'd better be alert. Excessive crying and being irritable is another strong clou.

When even lifting a finger seems like a monstrous task to perform, there is something wrong. Maybe it's something physical. Maybe you're just tired. But if it still feels like a hell of a job after a good night with lots of sleep, you should consider depression being the reason for the lack of energy.

An often overlooked symptom of depression is a disturbed eating pattern. The patient will suddenly lose all apetite or just start eating like there is no tomorrow. Bulimia and anorexia are extreme disorders.

No. There are more known signs of depression. But these are the most common. Learn to recognize these symptoms of depression and you outrank 99 out of every 100 Americans.

If you suspect a friend, relative or co-worker is depressed but you are not sure yet, start making notes. Write down any behavior that may or may not be a symptom of depression. Include the date and even the time of day. Do so for a couple of days. Try to get closer to the alleged patient. Ask how they feel and try to make them talk. Do so again later that day and the next day. Invite the person to participate in some fun stuff like going to a game or a museum - something you know this person normally would love to do. See how he or she reacts. If you think "You have a case" share your thoughts with someone you can trust, like a close friend or relative.

Your next step depends on your relation with the depressed person. If it's a relative or close friend you probably have the background info to know what to do next and who you should contact. If it's a co-worker for example, things may get a bit more complicated. If you have nobody to share your concerns with, the only option left is to sit down with the depressed person and try to talk about his or her situation. Your goal should be to get the patient see his or her doctor as soon as humanly possible.

You are the messenger who brings the bad news to a person who is irritable to start with. But don't let that discourage you. You bringing the subject up, might be the first step to recovery. So the flowers will come. Eventually :)