Identifying The Main Depression SymptomsAlthough every one of us has felt depressed some time or the other in life, depression, as a disease, is a different thing altogether. It is also called clinical depression in medical circles all over the world. Therefore, one must know the depression symptoms in order to get help immediately, if he/she falls into the clutches of this disease. The most common and obvious sign of depression is that either the person loses or gains weight drastically. He/she could also get into the habit of either sleeping excessively or start suffering from insomnia.
However, since these symptoms could manifest in a person for so many other reasons, there certainly are other measures as well to correctly gauge whether a person is suffering from this painful disease, or not. The first and foremost symptom is that the person would feel hopelessly sad and disinterested from the daily activities. This sadness is much more severe and intense than what a normal person would feel. It would linger on for days, weeks and often months. The next most visible symptom is that the person would suffer from what the doctors call "Anhedonia". Anhedonia is a state of being totally unable to experience pleasure from activities or situations which would normally be described as pleasurable by others. Accompanied with these symptoms if the person either gains or loses weight in excess of 5% within a month, he/she could be suffering from the disease. In children, this could be a failure to gain weight in spite of all efforts. Along with these if the person either starts sleeping too much or becomes an insomniac then we could strongly believe that the person is a prospective depression patient. Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation is another symptom observed in such individuals. They would usually maintain an agitated and a restless behavior with a lethargic attitude towards activities. Fatigue is another symptom of depression which usually plagues such individuals. In spite of getting adequate sleep, they would usually shirk responsibility. A depressed person may also feel totally worthless. In children, this may manifest as indulgence in risky sexual behavior. What is commonly known as "Brain Fog" is also another symptom of depression. The person suffering usually is unable to concentrate or make decisions. The person would also procrastinate before getting into any kind of activity. And last but not least, the person would usually have disturbing thoughts relating to death. In extreme circumstances, he/she could also try to commit suicide. If, at least, 60% of these above mentioned depression symptoms are seen in any individual, then we can say that he/she is suffering from depression. |