Symptoms of Depression

The intensity of the symptoms can change throughout the day. To be diagnosed with depression, you must to have at least five symptoms for 2 weeks.

To determine a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will take into consideration your symptoms, medical background and other factors. This includes excluding other medical conditions or medications that could cause similar symptoms.

Feelings of sadness or despair

Depression is often associated with feelings of despair and sadness that are difficult to describe. They are not the blues or normal responses to life's challenges, and they last for weeks, disrupting the routine of life and relationships. It is possible that you will never recover and resume doing the things that you love.

People suffering from Depression Symptoms in seniors may also be angry or frustrated. This makes it difficult for them to interact with others and may mean that they spend more time at home because they're exhausted or worn out. This fatigue can exacerbate depression. Even though extra rest can be beneficial, some people who suffer from depression feel constantly tired, even after a good night's rest.

You may lose interest in hobbies, social activities, or even sex. This can be an indication of depression, and it's especially important to seek help if you think you're suicidal or have thoughts about hurting yourself.

Depression is a serious mental illness that affects everyone differently. You and your doctor will determine together whether or not you suffer from depression, based upon the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Your health professional will conduct a physical examination to determine your overall health. If your doctor suspects an underlying condition may be creating symptoms, he/ she may request tests in the lab.

Difficulty concentrating, or making decisions

Depression is more serious than a bad mood. It is important to see a doctor in order to get a diagnosis and get treatment. It's a medical issue that affects brain chemicals and can have a negative impact on your daily routine. It can cause you to lose interest in activities that you enjoy and cause you to struggle to focus or think clearly. In some instances depression can cause thoughts of suicide.

It's normal to have feelings of sadness and despair at times however if you experience these feelings on a regular basis for at least two weeks, you could be depressed. Your doctor will diagnose your depression based on the symptoms you present. They will also conduct an examination of your body and lab tests to rule out other health issues that may be causing these symptoms.

Sometimes, depression can be masked by symptoms that look like anger or aggression, therefore it's essential to see an expert in mental health for an assessment, even if you are not angry. For example, a person with depression might have persistent feelings of guilt without apparent reason. They may also blame themselves for actions they've done or said that were not their blame. They might also have trouble making decisions, and they may feel angry, frustrated or easily triggered into anger. This kind of behavior could be dangerous, and you should seek immediate assistance if it is accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

A loss of interest in or enjoyment of things you used to enjoy

While it's normal to feel sad over a difficult life event, like divorce or death however depression is different. It lasts for longer and includes other symptoms, such as a lack of motivation or feeling hopeless. It can affect the way you sleep, work and eat. It can also cause a variety of unresolved discomforts and aches, such as stomach problems or headaches. Symptoms can be very different from one person to another. Some describe it as a feeling of numbness. others are irritable or agitated. Depression can be treated by taking good care of yourself, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, and implementing stress reduction techniques.

There are several types of depression, such as major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression) and persistent identifying depression symptoms. It is important to recognize the signs of depression so that you can receive treatment.

Depression can cause sadness, irritability, and feelings of inadequacy. It can also trigger fatigue, sleep issues, excessive sleeping, aches and soreness, fatigue and weight gain, or feeling of heaviness. It can be affecting any person, but usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. It can also be a part of families. The biological causes, like brain chemical imbalances are frequently linked to depression. Social or environmental factors can also contribute to depression. This can include relationship problems, substance use or other mental health problems, a history of trauma or abuse, or living in an area with high poverty rates.

Oversleeping or having trouble sleeping

Depression can be identified if the sadness lasts more than a few months or hinders you from doing the things you love to do. It may also cause you to consider killing yourself or other ways to harm yourself, which is called suicidal thoughts. It is essential to seek help immediately if you are having these thoughts.

People who suffer from depression are often exhausted and depressed even when they're sleeping well. They may also have trouble falling asleep or wake up too early symptoms of depression, or they might sleep more than usual. People with depression might also have changes in their appetite, which could result in weight increase or loss. They may also experience headaches, cramps or an upset stomach.

Other signs of depression include feelings of a sense of inadequacy or guilt, or a sense of hopelessness. It is also possible to lose interest or enjoyment in activities that they used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, social activities or spending time with family and friends. Anhedonia is the inability of experiencing joy.

It's not always known what causes depression. However, it's believed to be caused by brain chemical that transmit signals about mood and behavior. It can be triggered a stressful or difficult life event such as the death or divorce of a beloved. It could be triggered by childhood problems or certain illnesses or medications.

Feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation

Feelings of guilt or desperation are common signs of depression. These symptoms differ from the normal mood swings many sufferers feel as a result of stressful life events.

If the symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, you should consult your usual healthcare provider or a mental health professional. A health care provider can help you understand the signs and symptoms to determine if they are caused by depression or other conditions.

Depression affects all ages, races, and genders. In some people depression can cause physical issues, like stomachaches or headaches. Certain people might develop a problem with substance abuse that includes drinking or taking drugs. Depression can also trigger thoughts of suicide, particularly among young adults and teens. It's important to seek immediate help if you or someone you love has thoughts of suicide.

Treatment options for depression include psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and antidepressants. There are several types of antidepressants and each works by affecting how neurotransmitters operate in the brain. Your doctor will recommend the best antidepressant. If you stop taking the medication, your symptoms may be recurring. If your depression is serious, you may need hospital or residential treatment. Your doctor may also recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimuli (TMS). The latter involves the passing of magnetic coils across the brain to stimulate nerve cells that regulate mood.

Physical symptoms

Many people suffering from depression also suffer physical symptoms, including fatigue, aches, pains headaches, stomach problems. These can be very difficult to manage. The brain chemicals that affect mood are linked to circuits and pain pathways according to research.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, consult your doctor about the possibility that they may be caused by depression. Depression is a serious illness that requires professional care. It's normal to feel and down from time to time or experience occasional feeling of sadness or despair but if these warning signs of mental health issues are an everyday part of your life and last for more than two weeks, it could be an indication that you suffer from depression.

Other physical symptoms of depression include feeling exhausted or depleted of energy throughout the day, having trouble concentrating or recollecting information frequently. Some people notice that their movements are slower, and fine motor skills like making a button or writing are difficult to master.

Depression can also cause you trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You might be able to have trouble sleeping or wake up earlier than usual. You may feel fatigued and sluggish even if you're rested. Some people notice that their appetite is changed and eat less, while others may experience a reduced appetite and lose weight.