Knowing the symptoms of depression

I'm worried that someone close to me is suffering from depression.How can I be sure that this is not just a "bad time" or they are just feeling sad?What are the symptoms of depression?

It can be difficult to determine if someone close to you is suffering from depression.You may be more inclined to see it as just feeling blue. While feeling down from time to time, is a normal part of life, however, when emptiness, and despair, take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. This is far more than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression can make it tough to function, and enjoy life like you once did. Experts agree that you need to understand depression. This is because learning about depression including:its signs, symptoms, cause, and treatment, is the first step, to overcoming the problem.

The first step is to realize that depression is much more then feeling sad. However, you may be surprised to learn that some depressed people don't feel sad at all instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic. Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs the person's day-to-day life, interfering with their ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are extremely intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

If the person you are worried about has several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won't go away, they may be suffering from clinical depression. These are-

• They can't sleep or sleep too much


• They can't concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult


• They feel hopeless and helpless


• They can't control negative thoughts, no matter how much they try


• They have lost their appetite or they can't stop eating


• They are much more irritable and short-tempered than usual


• They have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

It is crucial for everyone to realize that depression varies dramatically from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It should be noted that these symptoms, can be part of life's normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they've lasted, the more likely it is that the person is dealing with depression. Keep in mind that when these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help. There are some common signs of depression that include:

• They express feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Having feelings of hopelessness and feeling like there's nothing you can do to improve your situation.


• They exhibit a marked loss of interest in daily activities.The person exhibits no interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. They seem to have lost their ability to feel joy and pleasure.


• They show a noticeable change in appetite or weight. This significant weight loss or weight gain is defined as a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.


• They exhibit dramatic sleep changes-This can be either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.


• They exhibit feelings of irritability or restlessness. They may be feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Their tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on their nerves.


• They seem to have a loss of energy. They complain of feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained.


• They express strong feelings of worthlessness, or guilt.


• They seem to have concentration problems. They may also have trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.


• They complain of unexplained aches and pains. They may also have an increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.


• They talk about how life is not worth living and make indications that suicide could be a good idea. If you think a friend, or family member is considering suicide, you should express your concern, and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.