Recognize Depression Signs and Symptoms

Prompt Response Saves Needless Suffering

The difference between depression signs and symptoms:

• Signs are obvious changes noticeable by others, such as:
  1. slowing of body movements, sluggish responses
  2. slowing of speech
  3. frequent crying or anger outbursts
  4. pacing or inability to sit still..
  5. unusual irritability
  6. giving up on projects, poor productivity or performance on the job or at school
  7. giving away meaningful, personal possessions
  8. isolating from family and friends
  
  
  

• Symptoms are felt by the individual but not necessarily seen by others, and include:
  1. feeling sad, lonely, unloved
  2. feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless
  3. losing interest in family, friends or activities, for sexually active persons, losing interest in sex
  4. having trouble making decisions, foggy thinking
  5. losing motivation for tasks, relationship building
  6. trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much
  7. unusual tiredness, fatigue
  8. unusual anxiety, nervousness, feeling fidgety
  9. panic attacks
  10. changes in appetite, or weight gain or loss for no apparent reason
  11. thoughts of death or suicide
  12. poor concentration
  13. unusual physical symptoms, headaches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea or pain
  14. loss of short term memory
  
  
  

  An "Invisible" Illness

  
  
• Symptoms can be covered up, and many people suffer privately.

  Depression is an invisible disorder, like many other mental illnesses.

  While you look 'fine' to other people, they have no idea of what it takes to keep up the 'act'.




• Lots of times, you can keep up the image in the workplace. When you get home, though, you fall apart.

  Loved ones get the brunt of the irritability.If they don't know what is going on with you, they may distance themselves.




• In fact, your loved ones may feel confused, helpless and unable to 'fix' the problem. This can be uncomfortable for them, and they stay away.



• Feelings of loneliness, or being unloved, are reinforced, and depression becomes a vicious cycle.

We May Not Realize How We Are Affecting Others

• Signs, on the other hand, are noticed by others. The problem is, that you may not be aware that you are being 'crabby' or unreasonable.
• You may respond in anger, denying that anything is wrong. Or you might develop a 'poor me' attitude, thinking you are being picked on.
• Either of these responses has the same effect: emotional withdrawal or isolation. Your friends and family back off, and you are alone with your depression.

Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story

Many thousands more suffer needlessly with what some call "low self esteem", never experiencing the quality of life they could have. This can gradually lead to depression signs and symptoms if it is not addressed early.

Look carefully at the symptoms if you are feeling that life is passing you by. You very well may have a treatable condition called "Depression".

So What Do I Do?

You won't suffer needlessly if you :

• read this site carefully.
• face your depression head on.
• accept that you need help to get better.
• act on the suggestions given here.

Untreated depression signs and symptoms can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. It's important to pay attention to mood problems early so they don't get this far.Subscribe to our newsletter for up to date information and support,