Depression is when a person has an overwhelming sense of sadness that debilitates her life. Being clinically depressed is when this sadness lasts for weeks, months or even years. Clinically depressed individuals often require medication or therapy to overcome their illness. The California Department of Public Health estimates that while depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness, less than a quarter of depressed people seek treatment.
Signs of depression can vary with each person, depending on the severity of the depression.
Monitor Signs & Symptoms
Step 1
Watch for sadness and/or crying. The overwhelming sense of sadness that does not disappear within a few days can indicate clinical depression. Constant crying for no apparent reason also can occur.
Step 2
Watch for loss of interest. A loss of interest in activities that once were enjoyable can indicate clinical depression. According to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, a loss of interest is one of the main warning signs that is projected when a person is suffering from depression. Other signs can be hidden, but a loss of interest in activities that involve others is more difficult to hide.
Step 3
Watch for difficulty completing normal tasks. The lack of motivation to complete simple tasks such as housework or laundry can indicate a mental disorder such as clinical depression. A person who is suffering from depression may have problems bathing and dressing each day; they may prefer to remain in the same clothes for days at a time.
Step 4
Watch for feelings of loss of hopelessness. A person talking about how her life is worthless or how things could never get better is a warning sign of major clinical depression. This sign warrants immediate consultation with a physician or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Step 5
Watch for suicidal thoughts or actions. Any talk of harming oneself or speaking about how death seems better than life should be taken seriously. Suicidal thoughts can be a major indicator for clinical depression or something more serious such as psychosis. Immediate help should be obtained if someone is talking about suicide.
Step 6
Seek help for full diagnosis and treatment. Clinical depression can be diagnosed only by a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist. Treatment may involve medication, therapy or in-patient treatment, or a combination of all three.
