Common Signs of Depression

Everyone feels down every now and then, and this is normal. However, clinical depression is lasting and intense - the gloom can be overwhelming to an individual. Some sufferers describe clinical depression as \"living in a black hole,\" or having a feeling of despair that they cannot escape from. Clinical depression can last for more than several weeks, as opposed to \"normal\" depression that rarely lasts longer than a few days.

\r Some individuals suffering from clinical depression don\'t feel sad at all - instead, they experience a lingering feeling of emptiness. They are generally apathetic and numb towards enjoyment and pleasure, even when going through activities that they normally enjoy. This is usually a clear sign of clinical depression.

\r For a doctor or other health professional to diagnose clinical depression in an individual, most of the following signs and symptoms must be observed in the patient for at least two weeks.\r

\r Problems with sleep. Normal individuals exhibit a fairly steady sleeping pattern. Having trouble getting to sleep (or its opposite - getting too much sleep) is typical of clinically depressed individuals. When an individual wakes up in the middle of the night, or early in the morning, and finds himself/herself unable to go back to sleep, it may be a sign of clinical depression.\r

\r Hampered thinking or concentration. A clinically depressed individual may have trouble concentrating, making decisions, and remembering. Such problems may come into conflict with a person\'s performance in school or work, and may render the individual unable to hold a job until the episode passes.\r

\r Weight changes. Clinical depression may cause an individual to lose or gain weight suddenly. Abrupt appetite changes are also indicative of this. Weight changes will also lead to a host of other health problems (such as high blood pressure), further aggravating the individual\'s condition.\r

\r Irritability and anxiety. Clinically depressed individuals may seem unusually restless, agitated, irritable, and easily annoyed. They may also feel fearful or anxious for no reason. For many individuals suffering from depression, this is the first symptom that the people around them notice.\r

\r Marked fatigue. Depressed individuals feel weary nearly every day, or at least notice a pronounced dip in their energy levels. Some individuals may wake up from a night\'s sleep feeling just as tired as they were the night before. Others may even feel like they\'re moving in slow motion, or speak in a slow, monotonous expression.\r

\r Self-esteem suffers. Clinical depression almost always causes an individual to feel worthless or guilty, often for no apparent reason.\r

\r Reduced interest in sex. Individuals normally sexually active may notice a conspicuous decrease in interest with regards to having sexual relations. For most people, this is cause enough to worry.\r

\r Thinking of death. Depression may cause individuals to see themselves, their situations, and the future very negatively. This may lead to thoughts of death, dying, or even suicide.\r

\r Aside from the above-noted symptoms, depression can also cause a host of physical problems, such as gastrointestinal discomfort (indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, etc.), headaches, backaches, and muscle pain.

\r For more information on various signs of depression click here.

Tim Clark writes various health related articles, most of them on his website on bi polar disorder. His other articles can be found here, bipolar disorder articles.

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