Some people say that depression feels like a black curtain of despair coming down over their lives. It is not something you can “snap out of.” Many people feel like they have no energy and can’t concentrate. Others feel irritable all the time for no apparent reason. For men depression often manifests as anger. The symptoms vary from person to person, but if you feel “down” for more than two weeks, and these feelings are interfering with your daily life, you may be clinically depressed.
Most people who have gone through one episode of depression will, sooner or later, have another one. You may begin to feel some of the symptoms of depression several weeks before you develop a full-blown episode of depression. Learning to recognize these early triggers or symptoms and exploring other concerns that you may be minimizing will help you to gain some relief from depression. Symptoms include:
- constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
- decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
- loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
- a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
- a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
- restlessness or feeling slowed down
- decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
- feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- thoughts of suicide or death
You may have already spoken with your doctor about these symptoms and that is a great first step. However, you should be aware that all research indicates that a “talking” therapy is an ESSENTIAL part of relieving depression, medication alone is not nearly as effective or long lasting.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE CRISIS PLEASE CONTACT 911 OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROO