How Do People Know They Are Depressed?

Depression is one of the most common disorders that affects people daily. People can be depressed and not even know it. Its symptoms can be masked by other physiological problems, so depression is often ignored and diagnosed much later after ruling out other disorders.

So how do people know they are depressed? There are a few symptoms a person must have in order to be considered clinically depressed. You must have at least five of the following eight symptoms in order to be diagnosed with clinical depression.

1. Sleep disturbance. People who are depressed normally complain of changes in their sleep pattern. Majority of these people complain they have a hard time sleeping, but there are some who say they sleep more than usual.

2. Interest decline. Depressed people usually do not continue to do their favorite things that they used to do. This can range anywhere from cooking, shopping, or even watching television.

3. Guilty feelings. Some depressed people state they feel guilty about being depressed and wish their illness would not affect their loved ones lives or their own.

4. Energy levels decreased. There is a significant decline in energy levels in depressed people. They say they do not have enough energy to cook, do daily tasks, or even go to work.

5. Concentration levels decline. It is hard for a person who is depressed to concentrate for a long period of time. This may cause problems in the workplace or in personal relationships.

6. Appetite changes. Majority of people who are depressed claim they have a decrease in their food intake, but there are some who state their appetite actually increases causing weight gain.

7. Psychomotor agitation. Depressed people often state their train of thought is decreased, so they act and move at a slower pace as a consequence.

8. Suicidal. The most concerning symptom of depression is the risk of suicide. If people claim they want to end their lives, always ask if they have a current plan. If they do, have them committed to a hospital immediately to seek medical attention before it is too late.

These traits must be exhibited for a minimum of two consecutive weeks to be diagnosed with clinical depression. Once a person has been diagnosed, there are several treatment options they can choose from. These range from group or individual therapy to single or multiple medications to even Electroconvulsive (Shock) Therapy for those who need immediate treatment who may not tolerate drugs.

So if you believe you or someone you know is depressed, ask them if they have any of the above symptoms and for how long. If you have any further questions about depression, you can go to http://www.theusmlemastersystem.com to learn more information or you may contact Dr. Adrienne Hicks-Lillard at adriennelillard@yahoo.com.

If you have any further questions about depression, you can go to http://www.theusmlemastersystem.com to learn more information or you may contact Dr. Adrienne Hicks-Lillard at adriennelillard@yahoo.com.

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