Recognizing Depression
Sometimes, it is difficult to identify symptoms of depression (also called depressive disorder, clinical depression or major depression) in yourself, a friend, or a family member. Although sadness is to be expected every now and then, depression is different from this ordinary emotion. Depression symptoms are even different from the extreme sadness caused by a difficult situation, such as the death of a loved one.
In some people (but especially in the elderly), the main sign of depression is physical pain. For instance, headaches and stomach pain that don’t respond to treatment may be a sign of depression. It’s also very difficult to detect symptoms of depression in children and teens. For instance, teenage depression symptoms may include:
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Becoming pregnant
- Getting in trouble at school or with the law
- Running away from home
- Showing signs of eating disorders.
Since these symptoms are not exclusive to depression, they may be mistaken for other conditions, or simply teenage angst.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
So how can you identify signs and symptoms of depression? Unlike feeling “blue” or experiencing mood swings, depression has the ability to impair your day-to-day life. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Bodily pain that doesn’t respond to treatment
- Extreme change in appetite
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness
- Impaired concentration, memory or decision-making ability
- Irritability or mood swings
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Persistent sad or “empty” feelings
- Restlessness
- Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts.
An individual who experiences at least five of these symptoms of depression every day for at least two months will most likely be diagnosed as depressed. Although normal sadness may last this long, or even longer, periods of happiness and normal functioning are dispersed among these feelings. On the contrary, depression causes a major loss of normal functioning. Depression symptoms won’t go away on their own.
Recognizing Depression Symptoms in Yourself
It may be hard to identify a sign of depression in yourself. Such signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Crying spells
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities
- Weight changes not explained by physical illness.
People who suspect they are experiencing depression symptoms should see a doctor. A medical professional can administer various types of tests, provide a depression diagnosis and help determine the correct course of treatment.
Although depressed individuals often feel helpless, even the most severe symptom or sign of depression is treatable. Nearly all depression patients who seek treatment will experience relief — the National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 80 percent of depression cases can effectively be treated.
If you suspect someone you know is depressed, be supportive and nonjudgmental and encourage the person to seek professional treatment.
Resources
Compass Health Staff. (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the Compass Health website: www.compasshealth.org/depression.htm.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Staff. (2009). Depression in older persons fact sheet. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from the NIMH website: www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=7515.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Staff. 2009. What are the signs and symptoms of depression? Retrieved May 7, 2010, from the NIMH website: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression.shtml.
O’Boyle, R. (2002). Recognizing and treating depression: A guide for the elderly and their caregivers. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the ElderCare Online website: www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/Articles/depressionguide.html.
Wolfe, K. (2000). Recognizing depression in youth. Retrieved May 14, 2010, from the Oregon Health Division website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ipe/ysp/depression/RecognizingDeprssnKDW.pdf.