Stress management » Symptoms Of Depression

5 Symptoms of Depression

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:57:40 +0000

By: Cathy H. Jones

Depression is a serious illness that many times people overlook. They tend to tell someone who is suffering to snap out of it. However, unless you really understand the symptoms of depression and how hopeless the sufferer can feel you can’t help them. This is why it is important for everyone to understand and learn to recognize the symptoms so they can help a loved one who has this painful problem.

Lack of Energy – This is probably one of the most prominent symptoms of depression. Even when someone is mildly depressed they feel lethargic and don’t want to do anything. Sometimes simple chores seem to be too difficult to accomplish. Other times a simple act like making the bed seems like a triumph. The drained feeling that depressed people have is very real. They can’t just perk up and get something done. They truly are exhausted.

Sleep Disorders – Going along with the previous symptom, people who are depressed often have problems with their sleep patterns. They either sleep too much or can’t sleep at all. They will wake frequently during the night or have difficulty falling asleep. There is no set pattern for sleep issues in people with depression, but there are definite disruptions in sleep.

Loss of Interest – Many times, sufferers lose interest in the very things that have brought them joy. Hobbies and interests fall by the way side and don’t appeal to them anymore. Perhaps they just don’t have the energy to participate, or they donR

17;t feel that they are capable. Loss of interest in hobbies can be a result of other symptoms of depression.

Overwhelming Hopelessness – While this isn’t always a symptom that others can see, we can sometimes detect it when the sufferer talks to us. It seems they have given up on life and themselves. They have feelings of worthlessness and have no hope for the future. When they talk, there is a strong negative current in their conversations as though everything is wrong with the world.

Eating Disorders – Like sleep, eating patterns can be disrupted by depression. The sufferer may binge eat or they may quit eating all together. They may start to crave salty or sweet foods since they are typically comfort foods. If you notice a sudden weight gain or loss, your loved one may be suffering from depression.

So now that you know the symptoms of depression how can you help? You need to help your loved one realize that they need to go to the doctor. Now this will not be easy because they usually cannot see the symptoms in themselves. In fact, many depressed people think everyone else has something wrong with them.

Show your friend love and understanding. Be there for them to talk to when they need it. Once you build a strong trust, you can encourage them to seek medical help. Sometimes just having a shoulder to cry on and someone you can rely on can help someone who has a mild case of depression. Just be there and be a friend. That is the most important thing you can do.

Cathy is a freelance writer who enjoys gardening and camping with her family. She loves to work in the garden and uses a folding garden cart for an easy to store garden cart. As an avid gardener, Cathy realizes the importance of a great yard cart to keep her supplies organized while she works!

Insights to Recognize the Warning Signs and Origins of Teenage Depression

Mon, 03 May 2010 22:35:04 +0000

By: Mike Foster

The signs of teenage depression can often be mistaken for typical mood swings and ups and downs often associated with simply being a teenager. So, what’s considered normal? Is a teenager who’s on top of the world in one moment and then suffering from unexplained sadness the next normal or truly depressed?

If you’re a parent of a child between the ages of 10 and 18, asking yourself that very question is critical. Depression can affect one in five teenagers before their 18th birthday. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undiagnosed because it’s believed to be a normal part of life.

Understanding the Signs of Teenage Depression

Too often, parents dismiss the common symptoms associated with teenage depression as just typical teenage behavior. In addition, many teen suffering from this affliction will either hide their feelings or refuse to admit that there’s a potential problem. They may also be averse to seeking help from family or friends.

There are numerous symptoms associated with teenage depression, and they often mimic depression symptoms in adults. These include chronic fatigue, trouble focusing on tasks, lack of concentration and irritability. As depression progresses, the teenager can become anxious and distracted as they attempt to deal with this debilitating problem. Other symptoms include crying, shouting, general complaining or lethargy.

As with adults, depression may also become visible in a variety of unexplained and incurable physical problems such as aches and pains, headaches and digesti

ve issues like an upset stomach. Other signs include a change in appetite and subsequent weight gain or loss along with a change in sleeping habits, such as insomnia or chronic fatigue. More serious symptoms include talk or thoughts of suicide or death.

If five or more of the above symptoms are exhibited for a period longer than two weeks, mothers and/or fathers should talk to their teenagers and seek professional help. Of course, if there is a threat of suicide, then parents should seek treatment and intervention immediately.

The Causes of Teenage Depression and its Effects

Teenage depression is often caused by external stress-inducing circumstances. These may include a divorce in the family, an upset in the family dynamic, financial problems, sexual or physical abuse, alcohol or drug problems within the family, a death in the family or trouble dealing with a recent trauma or tragedy.

For some, depression may be brought on by a teenager’s inability to meet certain goals. These can be academic or athletic goals. For others, they may involve social goals. For example, if a teenager fails to fit in or is bullied or rejected at school, this can have devastating effects on their self-esteem, causing bouts of anxiety and depression.

As for the effects of teenage depression, the onset can drastically impact a teenager’s family life, social relationships and academic accomplishments. Previous studies have shown that teenagers suffering from depression have higher levels of absenteeism, poorer grades and are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Of course, the most severe consequence of teenage depression is suicide, which is why it’s critical to recognize the early signs quickly and seek assistance.

For great information on recognizing disease symptoms – please visit diseasesymptomtips.com – a popular site to assist you in spotting early warning signs of diseases – such as stages of Herpes – allergies vs. flu-like symptoms – and many more!

What Are The Main Symptoms Of Depression ?

Mon, 03 May 2010 13:15:35 +0000

By: Robert William Locke

Let’s face it. There is still a stigma attached to mental illness and depression is no exception. There is little understanding of the disorder in general although depression symptoms are well documented. But medically speaking, we are light years way from effective, safe treatment. Up to now the only conventional medication has been tricyclics and SSRIs which have all been associated with some nasty side effects and the most alarming fact of all is that nobody knows exactly how these medications work on our brains.

Before we consider alternatives, let us look at the main symptoms of depression. Manic depression is sometimes referred to as bipolar and the latter name reflects the two extremes of symptoms from euphoric (manic) to deep depression. These changes can be very sudden and disconcerting for those around the individual. The sufferer may be on a high for quite long periods and display great energy but also irritability, aggressive and violent behavior.

The main symptoms of depression from the mild to the moderate will be less dramatic but still worrying for those who are close to the depressed person. Depression is a state of deep melancholy and gradually the sufferer gets sucked into a deep black hole where gloom, pessimism and a sense of hopelessness, bleakness and helplessness become so persistent and pervasive that daily activities are affected and the person just cannot function. These feelings often lead to suicide because that is the only action or way out for the depressed person.

There is a notable loss of self est

eem and there is no longer any pleasure in doing the things he or she always loved doing. There is a lack of energy , lethargy takes over and depressed people tend to sleep for much longer although lack of sleep or insomnia can also be present. Individuals will vary. There is a distinct lack of interest in the people and the world around them, indecision and eating disorders. When there is talk of ending it all and a lot of talk about death, this is another one of the main symptoms of depression.

The fact that more people are now suffering from depression symptoms but there is a lower percentage of people actively seeking help and treatment may be due to the FDA back box warnings on the medicines about suicides. This may well have put people off seeking medication but no medication is worse than some medication.

Medications may cause side effects which in turn may lead to even more depressed thoughts which seems a rather sadistic way of treating an illness in my view. I know that herbal depression treatment can restore balance and serenity to the troubled mind while improving mood and really alleviate the main symptoms of depression with very few or minor side effects. Why not find out more about this alternative?

Want to learn how to deal naturally with main symptoms of depression ? Robert Locke has written extensively on Mental Health for many years.

Bipolar symptoms

Sun, 02 May 2010 18:38:33 +0000

By: Jean Taylor

The very name of the illness – bipolar – tells us that it involves two extreme ends. At its simplest it can be seen as mood swings – from mania to depression and back. Let’s look at each separately:

Symptoms of Mania Mania can range from the normal level mood through hypomania (which covers mild to moderate) to severe mania.

• On a high and very optimistic, happy and even euphoric

• Unrealistic beliefs and ideas over one’s abilities

• Full of energy

• Not feeling the need to sleep

• Eating not seen as a necessity

• Feeling self important and powerful

• Illogical thinking and hallucinations

• Rapid speech with the words tumbling out often in an incoherent fashion

• Lack of concentration and jumping from one idea to another without finishing the one before

• Easily distracted

• Impulsiveness which impairs judgement

• Unable to think things through and weigh up the consequences of actions

Symptoms of Depression

Depression ranges from the normal level mood through mild and moderate depression to severe depression.

• Feeling sad and hopeless and very pessimistic

• Unable to experience any pleasure

• Lack of energy • Lethargy and loss of interest in daily life

• Lack of appetite leading to weight loss • Often unable to sleep

• Lack of concentration coupled with difficulty remembering things

• Distinct feelings of lack of self worth and emptiness<

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• Feelings of guilt and despair

• Having hallucinations and illogical thinking

• Suicidal thoughts

A sufferer will not experience all these symptoms. Also the two extremes may not be experienced in equal measure. The swing is not like a pendulum going back and forth in any kind of rhythm. It maybe the depression is deep and lingering and yet the mania hardly perceptible .

There are terms to describe the various combinations of the bipolar symptoms. However, the symptoms will come in mixes according to the individual and a medical practitioner’s advice should be sought.

Rapid cycling This term is used to describe the moving in and out of the normal mood into one or other of the extremes, or from one extreme to the other. It happens four or more times within the space of a single year.

Mixed episode This is when both ends of the spectrum are happening together, so it possible to be full of ideas and yet unable to enjoy them.

Cyclothymia In this there is a tendency to swing from mild mania to mild depression and back continuously for at least two years.

Psychosis This involves the symptoms of hallucination and delusions and losing touch with reality. Communication with others maybe difficult. This is probably the rarest of these illnesses.

A qualified medical practitioner will be able to diagnose exactly what is going on.

Knowing about this illness helps both sufferers and carers. For more information about depression, visit: Depression FAQs

Jean Taylor became interested in the illness when members of her family were diagnosed with depression. This led her to research alongside the experience which was thrust upon her. She has now set up a website: http://www.depression-faqs.com

The Truth About Depression and Your Job

Sun, 02 May 2010 16:08:14 +0000

By: Joseph J. Wood

Many times there are healthy people that have more problems than what we realize from just looking at them. Many times there are some people that are going through depression and do not know how to handle the problems. They have to cope with having these feelings and going to work each day as well. Depression and your job is something that can be difficult to over come but with the right help, it is possible.

Having depression and going to work is not always easy. There are some people that have to take on the challenges of going to work everyday at a job that drives them crazy. They may not enjoy the work that they do for some reason or another. Maybe they are having a problem with another co-worker or having a problem dealing with the stress that comes from the job. No matter what the reason, it is important to find help and get the problem under control before the problem gets worse.

If you are dealing with depression and your job, you have to find a way to move past it. You need to think about what you can do to make it through the tough times. If it is really that bad and there is no way to make it better, you should think about getting another job. This may not be something that you want to think about, but if it is going to save your life you need to make the change. It is going to be the most important decision that you can make but one that is going to be well worth it in the end.

Some do not have the option of changing jobs. They need to work in the field that they are in and they want to try and work at the problems they are having

with depression and their job. This is something that is possible with the right help. You can over come a difficult relationship or a stressful situation with depression and your job, when you put your mind to it. You need to make sure that you are doing what you can to make the situation better and to overcome it for your own health.

No matter what happens in your life it is important to know that there is a way out. There are things that you can do to make your life better and to get you through to the other side. You do not have to accept the bad things that happen in your life. You need to make sure that you have someone to lean on when you are having problems. You should have a person that will be there for you when you are not having a good day. This will help you to relieve your depression and your job before depression has a chance to set in. when you are in a stressful situation, you need to get out of it as soon as possible so that you are keeping your mind and body in good spirit no matter what type of job you are in.

Joseph J. Wood, as a professional researcher and author, has dramatically helped many experiencing depression in their lives through his writings. On his website, http://www.factsondepression.info he outlines many more ideas on this topic. You may also wish to visit his blog: http://howtocopewithdepression.blogspot.com