Depression Symptoms

It can be confusing to understand if symptoms are warnings of depression because many of these happen for short periods of time. So, if you are unsure if you, or someone you know is depressed, the length of time and the severity of symptoms are important. For example, lack of motivation and concentration can affect us all, but should pass after a while. With depression, an inability to concentrate and motivate oneself may last for weeks or months.

Effects of depression

Depression symptoms vary in severity, according to the type of depression, but the basic symptoms are as below, left to right mild to severe depression:

• Feeling sad →  feeling extremely unhappy.
• Lack of motivation → total apathy.
• Feeling lonely → feeling isolated.
• Lack of self confidence → plagued by self doubt.
• Low self esteem → total lack of self respect and feeling worthless.
• Distracted → total lack of concentration.
• Finding daily events difficult → being unable to cope.
• Procrastination → avoiding life and becoming withdrawn.
• Difficulty sleeping → inability to sleep normally.

Physical symptoms of depression may include:

• Over-eating
• Over-drinking
• Lack of interest in sex
• Poor concentration
• Violent or aggressive behavior in men
• Not interested in your appearance or hygiene
• Mood swings
• Anger

Understand Depression Symptoms

It is very important to understand the most common symptoms so that you can understand how severe the depression is. Go take this test now and discover how depressed you are or ask a friend to take it. The most important step is accepting depression, as we will often deny it even to ourselves. Taking this test may be all that is needed to see there is a problem which needs to be treated. The next step is seeking help.

These are the main depression symptoms, and not surprisingly, if you have a combination of a few of the above, real social and mental problems can build up to such a level that treatment is vital. If your depression is not severe, then self help is possible. Either way get advice and don’t be afraid to try some of the self help treatments available via this website.

Differences Between Men and Women

There are significant differences in men and women as regards depression. Firstly, women are more likely to suffer from this problem than men. Most doctors believe there are biological reasons for this such as hormones and differences in the way the female brain develops before birth. Women are more emotional and this may cause them to dwell on negative aspects of life or emotional memories more than men.

On the other hand, men often use alcohol or drugs when they get depressed. They also act with aggressive or extreme behaviour such as gambling and taking risks.

It is often easier to diagnose women as being depressed because the symptoms are more obvious and women seem to show emotions more openly. Also, women often eat more when upset or depressed, so eating disorders are more common.

Suicide

Suicide is more common in men as they hide feelings and are less likely to seek help. Unfortunately, many men see depression as weakness, whereas women are much more accepting of their need for support. This is the main reason why getting help is so important for both men and women.

Getting Support

Without help, a depressed person may begin to feel hopeless and the longer this continues, the worse it becomes. If someone suffers alone, as men often do, it can become dangerous and can even end in suicide. So, anyone who believes they may be depressed should seek advice of a doctor as a first step.

The Uncommon Knowledge Depression Program is a unique resource to help you through depression. It guides to beat depression for good and learn how to live the rest of your life depression-free! As a limited time offer, you get the introduction and first module FREE. Plus, there’s a 90 day money back guarantee if not completely satisfied with the program. But, as I’ve just completed it myself I know you will be! Click here to read more about the Depression Program!

What To Do If You Are Depressed

If you think you have several symptoms and they are at moderate levels you must see a doctor and get help.

The tools and courses I feature on this website will help you heal yourself and this is vital also but please remember that if you are severely depressed, you need help before you get too far down the path of no return. You may also struggle to take any action to face your problem due to a lack of motivation, but you MUST push yourself. Discuss it with someone else because trying to face this problem is just too difficult on your own!

Counseling could be very helpful to you. There are many highly qualified professionals waiting to help you with advice – do you you feel you would benefit from talking to someone about your problems? Are you serious about getting control of your feelings again? Seeking help is important. It may be necessary depending on the severity of the depression.

A Warning

The worst symptom of depression is wanting to commit suicide. There is nothing sadder than the throwing away of one person’s life. Depression causes most suicides so guard yourself against this and know that you can defeat it!

There is always hope, but at times it can be difficult to see, but just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean its not there. Please think about getting professional help from a doctor or therapist if you problem is affecting your daily life. Did you know that some studies have suggested that one in ten people who are severely depressed but do not seek help attempt suicide? That is frightening, so please get help and you will overcome it.

Helping Another

One of the most difficult situations to face is dealing with a friend or family member who has depression. It can be extremely difficult to reach out and help another person when they are suffering from this problem. If you find yourself in this position and want to help another person deal with this then read this helpful article: What to do if a loved one is suicidal. It might just save someone’s life.

The help and support you need is here! Please take a look around this website and my More Self Esteem website which deals with a very important and related topic – improving your self esteem and self confidence.

I also recommend these books to you if you want more information:

#1 Happiness is a choice: causes and cures for depression

#2 The 6 Day Depression Cure

A widely acclaimed natural cure without drugs to combat symptoms such as social dysfunction, hopelessness, eating or sleeping problems, and loss of interest and many others.

#3 A look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of Depression

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further guidance – I’m here to help.

Remember: there is a lot you can do to help yourself if your depression isn’t severe. Probably, the most effective is exercise, which releases positive chemicals in your brain and makes you feel better. Of course, it is sometimes difficult, or impossible, to motivate yourself when you have a more serious problem, so please see a doctor and ask for help if your problem is severe.

Read More

Detecting depression from WebMD