How To Recognize Depression

In the briefest possible terms, here are the warning signs, or symptoms, of depression. If you, or someone you know, exhibits 5 or more of these signs, for more than 2 weeks, then you, or he or she, needs to get help.

Persistent sad, anxious, numb, or "empty" mood Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, guilt Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" or feeling sluggish Increased appetite with weight gain, or decreased appetite with weight loss Thoughts of self-injury, or attempting to injure yourself Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts Restlessness, irritability, nervousness Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, backaches, etc.

Keep in mind that these are only possible signs of depression. They don't necessarily mean you are suffering from depression. There are some physical illnesses which can bring on some of these, and there are some drugs which can produce similar side-effects. This is why it is very important to get help. If you do, in fact, have clinical depression, you can get treatment; and if that is not what's wrong with you, then obviously there is something else, which needs attention.

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