Symptoms of Depression

Here we identify a few of the common traits that can be experienced by someone suffering from depression. Very often the symptoms of depression can be masked or passed off as something else. Not all depression needs action; mild and moderate depression will pass; it is good, however, to be able to recognise the signs and take care not exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Experiencing Depression? You're Not Alone

According to the August 2009 edition of “Scientific American,” research has found up to 50% of adults in America are classified as having suffered from depression at some point in their life.

Moreover, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recently estimated one in ten adults suffer from ongoing depression symptoms. While either fleeting or permanent, diagnose is the first step to treating and overcoming depression.

The Initial Symptoms of Depression

Temporary feelings of sadness and an overall sensation of being blue are common throughout life; however, if these brief periods of downtrodden behaviour find its way into your daily life that clinical depression may be the culprit.

research has found up to 50% of adults in America are classified as having suffered from depression

Outlook on Life

Diagnosing clinical depression is no easy task. There is not one human who lived every day with unwavering optimism. That being noted; a common symptom of depression is persistent and sometimes overwhelming.

Sensations of sadness, anxiousness or feeling empty are all symptoms of depression, if these symptoms persist help should be sort.

Physical Symptoms of Depression

Not all depression symptoms remain in the mind. Depression can affect the entire body, both physically and emotionally. Depression often translates into periodic or lasting moments of fatigue and sleep schedule disturbances.

Not all depression symptoms remain in the mind. Depression can affect the entire body

A sense of feeling continually 'rundown,' out of energy, and lethargic to the point every action is a great effort. This state of mind and well-being can quickly start dramatically affecting other parts of the body, the digestive system is one that seems to be particularly affected by sufferers mental health; gastrointestinal disorders and irregular bowel movements can exacerbate a weak state of mind.

Server headaches can ensue and lead not only to more serious physical conditions, but also to weaken further the sufferer's mental wellbeing. Muscular aches and pains, colds, flu type symptoms and other ailments which signify a sufferer is generally unwell can be present.

Having self-esteem is an essential part of being human

Of course, as well as these commonly experienced physical symptoms it is very common for someone experiencing bouts of depression to not suffer any physical symptoms whatsoever, in some cases having no physical symptoms makes diagnosing depression more difficult.

Self-Esteem & Fighting Depression

Having self-esteem is an essential part of being human, and experiencing a full and balanced life. Depression takes different forms for each sufferer, but a common symptom is a lack of self-esteem.

When depression starts to take hold, many people can find how they value themselves can take a knock, depression can rob people of their self-worth.

Self-Esteem & Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is often diagnosed by strong feelings of worthlessness, or feelings of truly helpless and loneliness, these are emotions that are attenuated by low self-esteem.

Some may experience extreme feelings of guilt over past situations or experiences. Since many feel isolated from the world around them, it's not uncommon to find yourself missing more days of work, school or backing out of responsibilities, and generally withdrawing from day to day life.

In withdrawing from a regular routine, and isolating one's self from those who love you, self-esteem can plummet, leading to a range of physical health symptoms that were previously outlined.

When to Seek Help

Truly understanding whether you're going through a temporary period of feeling down or suffering from clinical depression is not an easy to call to make; it is something that should be decided by a qualified doctor or health care worker.

Whether reading this for yourself or out of concern for a friend or loved one, depression is a recognised illness, its symptoms and traits are well documented and help is out there.

Often sufferers can feel ashamed to seek help, or are unaware they are sufferers. In these cases rather than visiting your family Doctor who has known you since childhood, visit a hospital in another area, or drop in clinic.

Don't do nothing, the symptoms of depression are well known, and proven treatments are available. Visit Mind a support website or to talk with someone now call the samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90. Also the HelpGuide.Org have some sound advice as do the NHS.

Good luck.