Clinical depression is a mental illness in the mood disorder family. It lasts for at least two weeks and affects your life and functioning. Clinical depression is severe enough to warrant professional intervention. According to AllAboutDepression.com, depression affects twice as many women as men and is most prevalent for people ages 25 to 44. People who have a parent or sibling with depression may be one-and-a-half to three times more likely to experience it. As with any illness, if you think you have the symptoms, it is best to check with your doctor about professional diagnosis and treatment.
Step 1
Observe the person you think may have depression.
Step 2
Compare previous functioning of the person in question as to how they are functioning now. Watch for changes in sleep or eating habits, lack of energy, agitation, lack of interest in activities, hobbies, sex, suicidal thoughts or attempts, feeling down or having a "low" mood.
Step 3
Read the diagnostic criteria for a Major Depressive Episode in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.
Step 4
Record your observations in a journal. For a diagnosis of depression, these symptoms must have persisted for at least two weeks.
Step 5
Contact a professional for help. This could be a primary care physician, psychiatrist, social worker, mental health counselor or psychologist.
Tips and Warnings
- According to HealthyPlace.com, the best treatment for depression is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. If you have trouble getting in to see a psychiatrist immediately, you may make an appointment and go see your primary care doctor. HealthyPlace.com notes that antidepressant medications can take up to two weeks to work. If you start an antidepressant, make sure you take it as prescribed and try it for at least a month.
- If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact your emergency mental health hotline, 911, or your local emergency room. Only a professional can diagnose clinical depression.
Things You'll Need
- Mental health professional
- Journal to record observations
