The Signs Of Depression: What We All Should Watch For
One in ten American adults are suffering from depression, the feeling of being blue and down, or, in some cases, the severe despondency of clinical depression. Some are sad, some are just apathetic. Some just move through life unsure why they feel the way they do, going from happy to sad in the course of a moment. Each person suffers from depression differently from the other, and knowing the signs of depression is the best way to watch out for it and to seek medical treatment.
Types of depression
Before going into the signs of depression, everyone should be aware of the types of depression someone could be suffering from. Many of the symptoms are the same, but each type has its own distinct markers as well. Major depression is the feeling of constantly being sad or unable to experience pleasurable things. Atypical depression is characterized by brief periods of happiness followed by sadness. Dysthymia is moderate to mild depression with more blue days than good, although the good days really are good. Seasonal affective disorder is depression brought on by the seasons, usually fall and winter, and it goes away when the nice weather appears. Postpartum depression is felt by mothers who have just given birth and is triggered by hormones, dissipating as time goes on. Manic depression - or bipolar disorder - is characterized by the cycling of depressive episodes and manic episodes and can be extremely severe.
Depression Signs
Knowing what to look for when attempting to help someone or yourself with depression is key to overcoming it. Signs include: feeling helpless or hopeless; loss of interest in daily activities; appetite change that can cause weight gain or loss; insomnia or hypersomnia; anxiousness; sluggishness; fatigue; self-loathing; problems concentrating; irritability and anger; and unexplained aches and pains.
People who are depressed see everything in a bleak way and without help, suicide looks like a good solution. If you or a loved one is suffering from any of these symptoms or has suddenly become fascinated with death and dying, seek help.