Depression Symptoms, Signs and Receiving Help

Depression symptoms are important to understand if you want help for yourself or for a loved one. What are the most common symptoms of depression? Where do you turn for help? Why is it so important that you stay up to date on depression symptoms and signs? After all it is your health and your life.

Depression Symptoms

Depression does not have to occur throughout a persons lifetime. It can occur one time in your life. Many people have depression that occurs multiple times and they suffer from multiple episodes. During these depressive episodes the following almost daily can occur.

You have the feeling of sadness, emptiness, tearful affect and feelings of hopelessness.
There may be outburst of anger, frustration, and irritation. These can be over the smallest of things.
You have a significant loss of interest in things that once you found immense pleasure in. These can include hobbies, sports, hanging out with family or friends, etc.
Sleep interruption and disturbances occur. This may include insomnia or you find that your sleeping way too much.
Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time. It takes all you have to do even the smallest of task.
Your appetite changes. It can increase or be reduced.
Anxiety runs your life and your constantly restless.
Slowed down thinking occurs as well as your body and speech seems to slow down.
Guilty feeling of worthlessness occur. You find that your fixated on past issues and that your blaming yourself for things that you are not even responsible for.
Your having troubled thoughts that make it hard to make clear decisions and cannot seem to remember things well.
Some may even have recurring thoughts of suicide, death or just a feeling a no longer wanting to live.
There are explainable physical symptoms like aches and pains, back aches and unknown headaches.

Depression symptoms affect your career, your relationships, your social life and much more. For many they walk around just feeling miserable and alone and do not know why.

Depression Symptoms

Children and Teens

Depression in teens and children can look similar to that of adults. There are however some differences.

In teens and children they may appear sad, clingy, worrisome, have pains and constant aches.
They may refuse to want to go to school.
You may see signs of loss of weight gain or increased eating and gaining of weight.
Poor school performance and feelings of worthlessness, feeling down most of the time. They appear angry and anxious. These are all signs to look out for.
Many turn to self sooth with drugs and alcohol or harmful attempts to hurt themselves.
They also lose interest in activities that they once found to enjoy.

It is important to note that children suffering from ADHD demonstrate at times signs of irritability but without sadness or a lack of interest in things once enjoyed. That does not mean to not still be on the look out for your child even if they are diagnosed with ADHD.

Depression in teens and children can look similar to that of adults. There are however some differences.

In teens and children they may appear sad, clingy, worrisome, have pains and constant aches.
They may refuse to want to go to school.
You may see signs of loss of weight gain or increased eating and gaining of weight.
Poor school performance and feelings of worthlessness, feeling down most of the time. They appear angry and anxious. These are all signs to look out for.
Many turn to self sooth with drugs and alcohol or harmful attempts to hurt themselves.
They also lose interest in activities that they once found to enjoy.

Depression Symptoms

Older Adult Population

Depression is not just a normal part of a person growing older. It should not be taken lightly. The problem is that it goes undetected many times with out older population. They seem to be more reluctant to seek help. Depression symptoms are slightly different with the older population.

Difficulties with memory. Changes in personality.
Physical pains and aches.
Increased signs of fatigue
Decrease or loss of desire to eat.
Problems with sleep.
The desire to want to stay home instead of going out and socializing or attempting to do new things.
Suicidal thoughts or passive death wishes. We see this with men more than with women.

Depression Symptoms

When to Seek Help?

Medication is not the only option available. Seeking counseling for yourself as an individual, couple or family is highly recommended.
Stay plugged in and connected with others. This is essential.
Exercise often. It is a very powerful antidepressant.
Therapy teaches you the skill set to combat depression and live a life of happiness and freedom.
Always see your doctor to rule out any medical causes for depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is known to be highly effective in treating depression.

You do not have to go it alone. Call today and let’s start the important life changing work to eliminate depression from your life. Understand my unique approach. It is never to late to get back on track.