Blog entry by Violet Cobbett
Symptoms of Depression
The intensity of symptoms can fluctuate throughout the day. To be diagnosed with depression, you must to experience at least five symptoms over 2 weeks.
Your doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history and other factors to make the diagnosis. This includes determining if there are other medical conditions or medications that may cause similar symptoms.
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Depression is often accompanied by feelings of sadness and despair that are difficult to define. These feelings aren't similar to the blues or an ordinary response to life's challenges. They can last for weeks and cause disruption to the routine of life and relationships. You might feel like you will never recover and stop doing the things that you love.
People with depression symptoms in males can be angry or frustrated. This makes it difficult for them to interact with others and may mean that they stay home longer because they're tired or worn down. This can exacerbate the feelings of depression which makes them feel worse. Although extra rest can be helpful, some people who suffer from depression feel tired all the time even after getting enough rest.
You may lose interest in social activities, or sexual sex. This could be a sign of depression. Seek help if are feeling suicidal or you have thoughts about harming yourself.
Depression is an illness of the mind that affects everyone in a different way. Your doctor and you will decide jointly if you suffer from depression in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Your health care professional will do a physical exam to determine your overall health. If your doctor suspects that an underlying condition may be creating symptoms, he/ will order tests in the lab.
It is difficult to concentrate or make decisions.
Depression is more serious than bad mood. It's important to consult a physician to get a diagnosis and get treatment. It's a medical condition that affects brain chemicals and can have a negative effect on your everyday life. It can make it more difficult to think clearly or concentrate, and it may cause you to lose interest in the things you usually like. In some cases, depression can even result in thoughts of suicide.
It's normal for people to experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness at times, but if you feel them most days for a minimum of two weeks, you could be depressed. Your doctor will determine the cause of your depression based on symptoms you present. They will also conduct a physical examination and lab tests to rule out any other health issues that could cause these symptoms.
Sometimes, depression is masked by symptoms that look like anger or aggression, so it is important to consult a mental health professional for diagnosis even if you are not angry. Someone suffering from depression might be feeling guilty for no apparent reasons and blame themselves for something that they have done or said. They may also have difficulty making decisions, and they might feel irritable, agitated or easily triggered into anger. This type of behavior is risky and you should seek help when it is accompanied by suicidal thoughts.
Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Depression is not the same as sadness over a painful event in life, such divorce or death. It lasts for longer and may include other signs of depression in men, such as a lack of motivation or feeling depressed. It can affect how you sleep, eat and work. It can also cause unexplained discomforts and aches, such as stomach problems or headaches. The symptoms vary from person to person. Some describe it as feeling of numbness, while others experience a sense of anger or unrest. Depression can be managed by taking good care of yourself, sleeping enough and eating a healthy diet, and implementing stress reduction methods.
There are a variety of kinds of depression, including major depressive disorder (also called clinical depression) and persistent depressive disorder. It is important to recognize Signs of Emotional distress of depression to ensure that you receive treatment.
Depression can trigger depression, anger and feelings of being unworthy. It can also cause fatigue, sleep problems or excessive sleeping, aches and soreness, feeling of fatigue and weight gain, or a feeling of heaviness. It can affect anyone, but typically occurs in the late teens or early adulthood. It also runs in families. Biological causes, such as brain chemical changes are frequently linked to depression. Depression can be caused by environmental or social factors. This can include relationship problems, substance use or other mental health problems as well as the history of trauma or abuse or living in an area with high poverty rates.
Too much sleep or having difficulty sleeping
Everyone experiences sadness at times But if it's lingering for a long time or preventing you from doing the things you love to do, it could be depression. Suicidal ideas are also a possibility. If you have these thoughts, it's crucial to speak with a mental health professional for help right away.
People who suffer from depression are often exhausted and sluggish even when they're getting enough sleep. They may also have difficulty falling asleep, wake up too early or fall asleep more than usual. Depression can also trigger changes in appetite, which may result in weight gain or loss. They may also have headaches, cramps, or stomach upsets.
Other signs of depression are an overall feeling of unworthiness and guilt or hopelessness. It is also possible to lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports social occasions, or spending time with friends and family. This lack of satisfaction is known as anhedonia.
It's not clear exactly what causes depression, however it is thought to be caused by chemicals in the brain that send messages about mood and behavior. It may be triggered by a stressful or stressful life event such as the death of a loved one, or divorce. It can also be caused by childhood issues or certain illnesses, or even medications.
Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy
Depression is defined by feelings of guilt or feeling devalued. They're distinct from the normal mood fluctuations that many people experience in response to stressful life events.
If the symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, you should see your regular doctor or a mental-health professional. A health care provider can assist you in understanding your symptoms to determine if they're caused by depression or another condition.
Depression affects everyone of all ages, races and genders. Depression can cause physical symptoms, like headaches and stomachaches, in a few people. Some may develop a substance dependence issue, such as drinking or using drugs. Depression can also lead young adults and teens to contemplate suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, it's critical to get help right away.
Treatment options for depression include psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and antidepressants. There are a variety of antidepressants. Each works by affecting how neurotransmitters function in the brain. Your doctor will recommend the most effective antidepressant. If you stop taking the medication, symptoms could return. If your depression is severe, you may require treatment in a hospital or a residential facility. Your doctor might also suggest electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The latter involves passing magnetic coils across the brain to stimulate the brain's nerve cells that regulate mood.
Physical symptoms
Many people who suffer from depression also suffer physical symptoms, like fatigue, aches, pains headaches, stomach problems. These symptoms are difficult to manage. Research has shown that brain chemicals involved in mood are connected to circuits and pathways for pain.
If you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor about the possibility that they may be caused by depression. Depression is a serious illness that requires medical attention. It's normal to feel depressed at times or experience occasional feelings of sadness or despair. If you experience these symptoms every day for more than two weeks, it could be an indication of depression.
Other physical symptoms of depression in youth of depression are feeling exhausted or depleted of energy throughout the day being unable to concentrate or recollecting things often. Some people find that their movements are slow and fine motor skills such as writing or buttoning a shirt are more difficult to accomplish.
Depression can also cause you to have difficulty sleeping or having trouble sleeping. You might wake up too early or fall asleep later than usual. Even if you're well rested, you might feel tired or depressed. Some people report that their appetite has changed and they consume less. Some people experience a decrease in hunger and lose weight.