Sites

ADD Focus

Adders.org

ADHD News

Adults Seeking
Knowledge

NIMH

The Parent Advocate

The Wild Child

Depression and ADHD

Events

Healthyplace Radio
Support Groups

Information

Mental Health Videos
Bookstore
Columns
Conf. Transcripts
Diaries/Journals
Disorder Definitions
Medications
Online Tests
Resources

Support Lists

Email
ICQ
Instant Messenger

Community Wall

Visit & Post

Related
Communities

Alt. Mental Health
Bipolar
Depression
Parenting

send this page
to a friend

Nine Symptoms of Depression

Depression is one of the world's oldest and most common ailments. It can have both physical and psychological symptoms. Millions of Americans are estimated to suffer from depression, a condition so widespread that it has been dubbed "the common cold of mental illness."

Even so, depression is widely misunderstood. Myths and misconceptions have led many people to believe things about depression that simply are not true. Depression is associated with many symptoms and not everyone has the same ones. Some people have many symptoms, while others may only have a few. The depression symptoms below may signal that you or someone you love may be depressed:

1. Appearance - Sad face, slow movements, unkept look

2. Unhappy feelings - feeling sad, hopeless, discouraged, or listless

3. Negative thoughts - "I'm a failure," "I'm no good," "No one cares about me."

4. Reduced activity - "I just sit around and mope," "Doing anything is just too much of an effort."

5. Reduced concentration

6. People problems - "I don't want anybody to see me," "I feel so lonely."

7. Guilt and low self-esteem - "It's all my fault," "I should be punished."

8. Physical problems - Sleeping problems, weight loss or gain, decreased sexual interest, or head aches

9. Suicidal thoughts or wishes - "I'd be better off dead," "I wonder if it hurts to die." Seeking Help for Depression

Seek help if you:

• Are thinking about suicide;
• Are experiencing severe mood swings;
• Think your depression is related to other problems that require professional help;
• Think you would feel better if you talked with someone; or
• Don't feel in control enough to handle things yourself.

Finding Help for Depression

• Ask people you know (your physician, clergy, etc.) to recommend a good therapist;
• Try local mental health centers (usually listed under mental health in the telephone directory);
• Try family service, health, or human service agencies;
• Try outpatient clinics at general or psychiatric hospitals;
• Try university psychology departments;
• Try your family physician; or
• Look in the yellow pages of your phone book for counselors, marriage and family therapists, or mental health professionals.

(Source: Center for Disease Control, Clemson Extension)

back to top

For the most comprehensive information about Depression, visit our Depression Community Center here, at HealthyPlace.com.

back to index | ADD/ADHD Community Homepage

Home to HealthyPlace.com

Chat Forums Communities Healthyplace Radio Support Groups
News Bookstore Site Events Web Tour
Advertise Email Us

© 2000 HealthyPlace.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Disclaimer