How Do I Know If I Have Depression?
June 25, 2017
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How Do I Know If I Have Depression? Depression is a serious mental illness in which feelings of sadness and loss of interest last for weeks and interfere with daily life.All people experience moments when they feel sad or blue, but these feelings usually pass within a couple of days and are not indicative of depression.Depression can cause deep emotional pain both to the person experiencing it and, often, to that person's close family and friends.
Depression is not a condition to be taken lightly. Depression affects more than 20 million Americans and the countless friends, family, and other loved ones who support them. Knowing depression risk factors can alert you to circumstances that might make you more likely to develop the illness or help you better understand the disease if you’re going through it.
Depression symptoms
A continuous low mood is just one possible symptom of depression.Left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may get worse and last longer.Recognizing the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle in seeking medical advice and to the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
What are symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression may include the following:
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Fatigue and decreased energy
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
Overeating or appetite loss
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better even with treatment
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Depression: Recognizing the physical symptoms
Most of us know about the emotional symptoms of depression. But you may not know that depression can cause physical symptoms, too.
In fact, many people with depression feel pain or other physical symptoms. These include:
Many depressed people never get help, because they don't know that their physical symptoms might be caused by depression. Sometimes doctors miss the symptoms too.
These physical symptoms aren't "all in your head". Depression can cause real changes in your body. For instance, it can slow down your digestion, which can result in stomach problems.
Depression seems to be related to an imbalance of certain chemicals in your brain. Some of these same chemicals play an important role in how you feel pain. So many experts think that depression can make you feel pain differently than other people.
Treating physical symptoms of depression
In some cases, treating your depression - with therapy or medication or both - will resolve your physical symptoms.
But make sure you tell your health care provider about any physical symptoms. Don't assume they will go away on their own. They may need additional treatment.
Since pain and depression go together, sometimes easing your pain may help with your depression. Some antidepressants may help with chronic pain, too.
Other treatments can also help with painful symptoms. Certain types of focused therapy - like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - can teach you ways to cope better with the pain.
Are there warning signs of suicide with depression?
Depression carries a high risk of suicide. For people with severe depression, the lifetime risk of suicide may be as high as 6%. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call the Samaritans on 116 123. The Samaritans operate a 24-hour service 365 days a year, for anyone in distress.
Warning signs of suicide with depression include:
Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, call the Samaritans, contact a mental health professional or your doctor straight away, dial 999 or go to the nearest hospital A&E for immediate treatment.
What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?
It is common for teenagers to feel unhappy occasionally. However, when the unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and the teenager experiences other symptoms of depression, then they may be suffering from adolescent depression.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, 4% of children aged 5 to 16 suffer from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression. If you believe your teenager is suffering from depression, you should seek help from a qualified health care professional.
How is depression diagnosed?
The diagnosis of depression begins with a consultation with a doctor. Because certain viruses, medicines, and illnesses can also cause symptoms similar to those of depression, your GP will want to know when your symptoms started, how long they have lasted, and how severe they are. They will ask whether you have had similar symptoms of depression before and about past treatments you may have received.
Your family history of depression and other mental illnesses is very important, as is any history of drug or alcohol use. Although there is no "depression test" that your GP can use to diagnose symptoms of depression, there are certain features, which they will look for in order to make the correct diagnosis of depression. Sometimes, a mental health evaluation by a mental health specialist such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist is arranged.
Myths and Facts About Depression
Depression affects nearly one in six people at some point in their lives, so folk remedies and half-truths about this common illness abound. One such idea: throw yourself into work and you'll feel better. For a mild case of the blues, this may indeed help, but depression is a different animal. Overworking can actually be a sign of clinical depression, especially in men.
Our culture admires will power and mental toughness and is quick to label anyone who falls back as a whiner. But people who have clinical depression are not lazy or simply feeling sorry for themselves. Nor can they "will" depression to go away. Depression is a medical illness a health problem related to changes in the brain. Like other illnesses, it usually improves with appropriate treatment.
Poet or linebacker, shy or outgoing, anyone from any ethnic background can develop depression. The illness is twice as common in women as in men, but it may be that women are more likely to seek help. It's often first noticed in the late teens or 20s, but an episode can develop at any age. Tough personal experiences can trigger depression, or it may develop out of the blue.
Depression can creep up gradually, which makes it harder to identify than a sudden illness. A bad day turns into a rut and you start skipping work, school, or social occasions. One type, called dysthymia, can last for years as a chronic, low-level illness – a malaise that silently undermines your career and relationships. Or depression can become a severe, disabling condition. With treatment, many feel substantial relief in 4-6 weeks.
Not always. Some people don't cry or even act terribly sad when they're depressed. Instead they are emotionally "blank" and may feel worthless or useless. Even without dramatic symptoms, untreated depression prevents people from living life to its fullest -- and takes a toll on families.
If depression appears in your family tree, you're more likely to get it too. But chances are you won't. People with a family history can watch for early symptoms of depression and take positive action promptly whether that means reducing stress, getting more exercise, counseling, or other professional treatment.
Most people navigate the challenges of aging without becoming depressed. But when it does occur, it may be overlooked. Older people may hide their sadness or have different, vague symptoms: food just doesn't taste good anymore, aches and pains worsen, or sleep patterns change. Medical problems can trigger depression in seniors and depression can slow recovery from a heart attack or surgery.
How are symptoms of depression treated?
If a physical cause for the symptoms of depression is ruled out, your GP may refer you to a psychologist for assessment and talk therapy. Treatment of depression may include exercise, antidepressants, psychotherapy or a combination of these.
Is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) used to treat symptoms of depression?
Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT is a viable treatment option for patients with symptoms of depression who are unable to take antidepressants or who suffer from extreme depression.
When should I seek help for symptoms of depression?
If symptoms of depression are negatively affecting your life - such as causing difficulties with relationships or work issues or causing family disputes - and there isn't a clear solution to these problems, then you should seek help. Talking with a mental health professional or your GP can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if these symptoms of depression persist for any length of time.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, you should seek help immediately.
In addition, it's important to understand that feeling depressed does not always mean you have a depressive illness. However, if you feel you can't lift yourself out of your symptoms of depression, seek medical help.
<<EAT ONE OF THESE 17 FOODS THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL SAD OR ANXIOUS – YOU SHOULD START FEELING BETTER IN MINUTES>>
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Source: webmd
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How Do I Know If I Have Depression? Depression is a serious mental illness in which feelings of sadness and loss of interest last for weeks and interfere with daily life.All people experience moments when they feel sad or blue, but these feelings usually pass within a couple of days and are not indicative of depression.Depression can cause deep emotional pain both to the person experiencing it and, often, to that person's close family and friends.
Depression is not a condition to be taken lightly. Depression affects more than 20 million Americans and the countless friends, family, and other loved ones who support them. Knowing depression risk factors can alert you to circumstances that might make you more likely to develop the illness or help you better understand the disease if you’re going through it.
Depression symptoms
A continuous low mood is just one possible symptom of depression.Left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may get worse and last longer.Recognizing the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle in seeking medical advice and to the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
What are symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression may include the following:
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Fatigue and decreased energy
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
Overeating or appetite loss
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better even with treatment
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Depression: Recognizing the physical symptoms
Most of us know about the emotional symptoms of depression. But you may not know that depression can cause physical symptoms, too.
In fact, many people with depression feel pain or other physical symptoms. These include:
- Headaches. These are fairly common in people with depression. If you already had migraine headaches, they may become worse if you're depressed.
- Back pain. If you already suffer with back pain, it may get worse if you become depressed.
- Muscle aches and joint pain. Depression can make any kind of chronic pain worse.
- Chest pain. Obviously, it's very important to get chest pain checked out by an expert right away. It can be a sign of serious heart problems. But chest pain is also associated with depression.
- Digestive problems. You might feel queasy or nauseous. You might have diarrhoea or become chronically constipated.
- Exhaustion and fatigue. No matter how much you sleep, you may still feel tired or worn out. Getting out of the bed in the morning may seem very hard, even impossible.
- Sleeping problems. Many people with depression can't sleep well anymore. They wake up too early or can't fall asleep when they go to bed. Others sleep much more than normal.
- Change in appetite or weight. Some people with depression lose their appetite and lose weight. Others find they crave certain foods - like carbohydrates - and put on weight.
- Dizziness or lightheartedness.
Many depressed people never get help, because they don't know that their physical symptoms might be caused by depression. Sometimes doctors miss the symptoms too.
These physical symptoms aren't "all in your head". Depression can cause real changes in your body. For instance, it can slow down your digestion, which can result in stomach problems.
Depression seems to be related to an imbalance of certain chemicals in your brain. Some of these same chemicals play an important role in how you feel pain. So many experts think that depression can make you feel pain differently than other people.
Treating physical symptoms of depression
In some cases, treating your depression - with therapy or medication or both - will resolve your physical symptoms.
But make sure you tell your health care provider about any physical symptoms. Don't assume they will go away on their own. They may need additional treatment.
Since pain and depression go together, sometimes easing your pain may help with your depression. Some antidepressants may help with chronic pain, too.
Other treatments can also help with painful symptoms. Certain types of focused therapy - like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - can teach you ways to cope better with the pain.
Are there warning signs of suicide with depression?
Depression carries a high risk of suicide. For people with severe depression, the lifetime risk of suicide may be as high as 6%. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call the Samaritans on 116 123. The Samaritans operate a 24-hour service 365 days a year, for anyone in distress.
Warning signs of suicide with depression include:
- A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
- Always talking or thinking about death
- Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
- Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
- Losing interest in things one used to care about
- Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
- Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I’ve had enough"
- Talking about suicide (killing one's self)
- Visiting or calling people one cares about
Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, call the Samaritans, contact a mental health professional or your doctor straight away, dial 999 or go to the nearest hospital A&E for immediate treatment.
What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?
It is common for teenagers to feel unhappy occasionally. However, when the unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and the teenager experiences other symptoms of depression, then they may be suffering from adolescent depression.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, 4% of children aged 5 to 16 suffer from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression. If you believe your teenager is suffering from depression, you should seek help from a qualified health care professional.
How is depression diagnosed?
The diagnosis of depression begins with a consultation with a doctor. Because certain viruses, medicines, and illnesses can also cause symptoms similar to those of depression, your GP will want to know when your symptoms started, how long they have lasted, and how severe they are. They will ask whether you have had similar symptoms of depression before and about past treatments you may have received.
Your family history of depression and other mental illnesses is very important, as is any history of drug or alcohol use. Although there is no "depression test" that your GP can use to diagnose symptoms of depression, there are certain features, which they will look for in order to make the correct diagnosis of depression. Sometimes, a mental health evaluation by a mental health specialist such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist is arranged.
Myths and Facts About Depression
- Hard Work Beats Depression
Depression affects nearly one in six people at some point in their lives, so folk remedies and half-truths about this common illness abound. One such idea: throw yourself into work and you'll feel better. For a mild case of the blues, this may indeed help, but depression is a different animal. Overworking can actually be a sign of clinical depression, especially in men.
- Depression Is Just Self-Pity
Our culture admires will power and mental toughness and is quick to label anyone who falls back as a whiner. But people who have clinical depression are not lazy or simply feeling sorry for themselves. Nor can they "will" depression to go away. Depression is a medical illness a health problem related to changes in the brain. Like other illnesses, it usually improves with appropriate treatment.
- Anyone Can Get Depressed
Poet or linebacker, shy or outgoing, anyone from any ethnic background can develop depression. The illness is twice as common in women as in men, but it may be that women are more likely to seek help. It's often first noticed in the late teens or 20s, but an episode can develop at any age. Tough personal experiences can trigger depression, or it may develop out of the blue.
- It Can Sneak Up Slowly
Depression can creep up gradually, which makes it harder to identify than a sudden illness. A bad day turns into a rut and you start skipping work, school, or social occasions. One type, called dysthymia, can last for years as a chronic, low-level illness – a malaise that silently undermines your career and relationships. Or depression can become a severe, disabling condition. With treatment, many feel substantial relief in 4-6 weeks.
- Depressed People Cry a Lot
Not always. Some people don't cry or even act terribly sad when they're depressed. Instead they are emotionally "blank" and may feel worthless or useless. Even without dramatic symptoms, untreated depression prevents people from living life to its fullest -- and takes a toll on families.
- Family History Is Not Destiny
If depression appears in your family tree, you're more likely to get it too. But chances are you won't. People with a family history can watch for early symptoms of depression and take positive action promptly whether that means reducing stress, getting more exercise, counseling, or other professional treatment.
- Depression Is Part of Aging
Most people navigate the challenges of aging without becoming depressed. But when it does occur, it may be overlooked. Older people may hide their sadness or have different, vague symptoms: food just doesn't taste good anymore, aches and pains worsen, or sleep patterns change. Medical problems can trigger depression in seniors and depression can slow recovery from a heart attack or surgery.
How are symptoms of depression treated?
If a physical cause for the symptoms of depression is ruled out, your GP may refer you to a psychologist for assessment and talk therapy. Treatment of depression may include exercise, antidepressants, psychotherapy or a combination of these.
Is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) used to treat symptoms of depression?
Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT is a viable treatment option for patients with symptoms of depression who are unable to take antidepressants or who suffer from extreme depression.
When should I seek help for symptoms of depression?
If symptoms of depression are negatively affecting your life - such as causing difficulties with relationships or work issues or causing family disputes - and there isn't a clear solution to these problems, then you should seek help. Talking with a mental health professional or your GP can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if these symptoms of depression persist for any length of time.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, you should seek help immediately.
In addition, it's important to understand that feeling depressed does not always mean you have a depressive illness. However, if you feel you can't lift yourself out of your symptoms of depression, seek medical help.
<<EAT ONE OF THESE 17 FOODS THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL SAD OR ANXIOUS – YOU SHOULD START FEELING BETTER IN MINUTES>>
If you liked this article,please like our Facebook page
Source: webmd
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