Symptoms of Depression
Depression can cause a wide variety of physical
symptoms or complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems, indigestion, constipation and
diarrhea, headache,
backache, generalized itching, blurred vision, excessive sweating and dry mouth.
Depression is an illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. About
twice as many women suffer from depression symptoms as men. People who are depressed may feel hopeless, worthless, very sad, and have no energy or interest in doing anything. Some people describe depression as an "empty, or sad feeling that won't go away." This kind of depression that does not go away is called "clinical depression." It is different from feeling "blue" or down for a few hours or a couple of days.
Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Symptoms of
Depression are:
- Lose of interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy, called
anhedonia.
- Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.
For a health professional to make a proper diagnose, most of the following
depression symptoms also must be present most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks:
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Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
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Significant weight loss or gain. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
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Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
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Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
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Less interest in sex
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Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
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Agitation or slowing of body movements. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed. Or you may seem to do everything in slow motion and answer questions slowly in a monotonous tone of voice.
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Fatigue. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before.
Depression is not something you can just snap out of and feel better. Depression is a serious illness that needs to be treated. It's not your fault that you
experience depression symptoms, and you can get better.
Depression Symptoms to D
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