Depression is a common mental illness that strikes millions of Americans each year. While a relative few have only one episode, most struggle with the disorder multiple times during their lives. A checklist of symptoms can be useful to determine if you may have an initial or subsequent episode of depression. If you have one or more of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, you may be suffering from depression. To learn if you are depressed, seek professional mental health care. Your family doctor can refer you to an appropriate practitioner if needed.
Overwhelming Sadness
A feeling of overwhelming sadness is a cardinal sign of depression. This is intermixed with hopelessness and a pessimistic sense of the future. You may cry easily or begin crying for seemingly no reason. Your thoughts may be riddled with significant regrets about past actions or choices. You may be grieving for a lost loved one or another significant loss. Alternatively, some patients state that they feel numb and have no emotion at all.
Lack of Energy
Depression can exact a toll on your physical energy. Feeling tired or fatigued is common, even after arising in the morning.
Loss of Interest in Hobbies
Depression can make you lose interest in your hobbies and activities. You may no longer desire to watch your favorite television shows, spend time with your grandchildren or attend your cooking class. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that you may also lose interest in sexual activity.
Weight Changes
If you are suffering from depression, you may lose your appetite and suffer weight loss. Some patients develop a nervous eating habit and eat more than they should. Other patients overeat as a poor coping mechanism or as an attempt to improve their mood. These patients may gain undesired weight.
Changes in Sleep Pattern
According to MedlinePlus, you may develop insomnia as a result of depression. You may lie awake and think of worries or regrets. Some patients begin to sleep many more hours than their body needs. They may have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, feeling that it requires too much effort or is pointless. A small problem or defeat may send them back to bed, allowing them to use sleep as a way to avoid dealing with their overwhelming feelings.
Irritable Mood
If you are suffering from depression, you may become irritable. This may be evident to you, or you may not realize you are being cranky with people you are usually polite to.
Physical Pain
Depression sometimes manifests as physical aches and pains. Common complaints are recurring headaches, low backaches and aching all over. Some patients develop recurrent stomachaches.
Withdrawal From Society
Depression can make you think the world would be better off without you. You may feel passively or actively suicidal. If you experience this feeling, seek help immediately. Realize that the chemicals in your brain are making you think this way and that you can feel much better with treatment.
