Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a medical condition that affects approximately 11 million people. That means that approximately one in every twenty individuals will suffer from this disorder at some point. There are lots of misconceptions out there regarding depression. One is that the depressed person can choose to snap out of it. Another is that depression is strictly a mental disorder. In fact, depression is thought to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain, which makes it not only a mental disorder but a physical one as well. If you think that you or a loved one may be depressed, understanding the symptoms of depression is the first step.

A person suffering from depression may experience a feeling of despair or sadness. They may experience a lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Some may find themselves crying for no reason. Others may have decreased energy and feel like doing very little. Still others might feel agitated or irritable. There may be difficulty sleeping, or too much sleeping. Some depressed people might lose their appetite, while others may turn to food for comfort. In severe cases, a depressed individual may even contemplate suicide. It's important to understand that symptoms must be present for at least two weeks for a definitive diagnosis to be made.

Another type of depression that is somewhat different from the average is called bipolar disorder. An individual with bipolar disorder may exhibit the above symptoms along with periodic episodes of mania. This disorder is characterized by dramatic highs and lows. During a manic episode, the individual may be more energetic and animated. They may have trouble making good decisions and act on impulse. For someone with bipolar disorder, the highs can be as distressing as the lows. As with chronic depression, bipolar symptoms must be present for more than two weeks before it can be properly diagnosed.

If you or someone close to you is exhibiting symptoms of depression, it's helpful to keep a journal. Write down what the symptoms are, when they occur, and how severe they are. You may even want to write down suspected triggers for depressive episodes if there seem to be any. Things like major life changes, personal loss, drug and alcohol abuse, illness and relationship difficulties can sometimes contribute to depression. The more information you present to your doctor, the easier it will be for him or her to reach a diagnosis and recommend the best course of action.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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