A person who has at least five signs of depression for at least two weeks may be diagnosed with major depression. Major depression, which the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says affects approximately 15 million American adults, is sometimes called unipolar depression or clinical depression. Treatment plans for a person with major depression usually include medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy may be used. Knowing the symptoms of major depression is vital to recognizing the illness and ensuring you get treatment for the condition as fast as possible.
Negative Emotions
A person with major depression will feel persistently sad or pessimistic. Unlike a person in a healthy emotional state, these negative emotions overwhelm a person with major depression. Happiness and joy aren't usually experienced. Your negative state of mind may make you feel hopeless, worthless or guilty. Additionally, you may feel angry and irritated for no obvious reason.
Changed Sleeping and Eating Patterns
Noticeable changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns are common in those suffering from major depression. You may notice you sleep a lot more or a lot less than usual. These changes in your sleep habits may leave you feeling sluggish or fatigued. You may eat significantly more or less each day than usual, which can also leave you feeling tired and unable to concentrate. These eating habit changes may also lead to weight loss or weight gain.
Lack of Interest
Withdrawing yourself from others is a sign of major depression. You may stop hanging around with your friends. Activities and hobbies that you once enjoyed may not seem enjoyable any more. You may push your friends away, and your family may notice that you spend a lot of time alone. Lack of interest in your relationship and/or sex is also possible.
Thoughts of Doing Harm
Thoughts of suicide may begin to overwhelm you. If you are contemplating suicide, NAMI urges you to get immediate help from a mental health professional (see Resources). Paranoia and hallucinations are also cause for concern. You should also get emergency medical care if you feel like hurting other people or destroying property.
