How To Recognize Depression
Ray Stone
Mental health, not the sort of thing most people choose to talk
about seriously. We've all heard the comments about 'Sad Sack',
'Mr Grumpy' or phrases like 'Smile, I'll pay for the stitches'
or 'Stop moping around'. It saddens me every time I hear a
remark like that, something insensitive or said out of plain
ignorance, usually by people who have little or no contact with
people who suffer from depression, and most certainly do not
have a loved one or family member that suffers from depression
or any other mental disorder, that can so easy get a tight grip
on a sufferers life. It's almost taboo if you think about it.
Suffering from depression or mental health problems, is
something that most people feel ashamed to admit. Who wouldn't,
with comments like those above aimed right at you. If you have
suffered from major depression or have had an episode of
depression that has contributed significantly to a change in
your daily life, facing up to comments like those above is
something that you will have to accept sooner or later.
What about those people who don't suffer a major depression or
severe episode, whether life-threatening or not? Those of us
who definitely don't have depression and definitely don't need
to see a shrink to confirm what we already know: that we are
not depressed! This brings me to the core of this article: How
do you recognize depression?
It is so very important to be vigilant. To be aware of the
warning signs, and the earlier they are spotted, the better.
Why? Because being depressed leads to behaviour that is not
helpful. Behaviour that over time, is reinforced day after day,
month after month. Slowly but surely getting a firm grip on your
life. It is much harder to spot a change in behaviour if it
occurs and develops gradually over time. But what are these
signs and behaviour that we should look out for?
The most common symptom of depression and one which most people
think is the only one is having a persistent empty or 'sad'
mood. This is not what can sometimes be referred to as feeling
'down in the dumps'. The mood will last from several weeks at
least. At which point you should see a psychiatrist or doctor.
A feeling of pessimism, hopelessness or helplessness and being
critical of oneself for never being good enough at anything no
matter what we do. Depression can lead to a lack of interest in
pursuits someone usually enjoys. Feeling lethargic or having no
energy or drive, even for sex, is another symptom of depression
that can slowly be re-enforced over time. Trouble with sleeping
and eating is a symptom that most people would not usually
associate with depression. Sleeping disorders are often
dismissed as having developed a mild case of insomnia that will
surely go away over time. Some people wake early in the morning
and are unable to fall back asleep. Eating disturbances to,
especially in women, can hide the depression, because the first
thing that will come to mind is anorexia or bulimia. This is
true, but we also need to place these symptoms in context,
which is why it is so important to know the facts and symptoms
of depression so that we can see the bigger picture.
Depression often goes hand in hand with anxiety. Anxiety can
also cause sleeping disturbances, as well as a feeling of
dread, increased heart rate and more severely, panic attacks.
Depression and anxiety can easily knock our confidence levels
as both can lead to difficulty concentrating and remembering
or making decisions. These symptoms can climax with devastating
effect. Within the workplace they can lead to a complete nervous
breakdown where the person no longer knows, or can't remember
how to do their job or how they even got there. Nothing makes
sense and it can be very frightening when you are faced with a
situation like this where you no longer know what is happening
around you, or much less, why you are feeling this way.
Depression can also manifest itself through persistent physical
symptoms or pains that do not seem to respond to treatment.
Irritable and losing ones temper are also symptoms of
depression, seen more often in males than females. Thoughts of
suicide, attempts and plans are never to be taken lightly.
Often, suicide attempts are a cry for help. Sometimes they are
not.
A person can be diagnosed with depression if four or more of
the symptoms above have been present in a two week period or
more. Not everyone will have the same symptoms so it is
important to be aware and look for signs of all symptoms of
depression. Remember, only a doctor or psychiatrist can
diagnose depression.
About The Author: Ray Stone
http://www.perfectdrugrx.com (c)
2006, PerfectDrugRx. All rights in all media reserved. Reprints
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