Feeling depressed and suffering from clinical depression are two sides of the same coin separated only by the degree and length of suffering involved.
Clinical depression never seems to let up, totally overwhelming the person by despair. It has been described as “living in a black hole” – a feeling of impending doom. These people just cannot free themselves from their feelings of despair.
On the other hand, some depressed folks don't feel sad at all. They just feel lifeless, empty, and unable to experience pleasure. Even when doing their favorite activities, they will suddenly feel like robots, merely going through the motions.
Therefore, if you suspect a loved one may be suffering from depression, be aware that the symptoms vary from person to person, and fluctuate in severity over time. Also, not all of the classical traits will affect the sufferer at the same time.
Here we’ll discuss the generally accepted symptoms to look for. All sufferers of depression have certain distinct traits in common that guide doctors in their diagnoses of the problem. Some of these symptoms may be easily overlooked by both the patients themselves and others close to them.
The most common symptoms of depression are:
Prolonged periods of sadness and lack of "get-up and go."
These people often complain of not being in the mood, and prefer to stay home and feel sorry for themselves.
Feelings of hopelessness.
Chronic pessimism, feeling sorry for one's self, and tending to blame others for their predicament come under this category. They feel like they have nothing to look forward to in life.
Guilt ridden, low self esteem and helplessness
These usually go hand in hand when a person, due to a sense of guilt about a past mistake, feels unworthy and helpless to do anything about it. Interest in hobbies and former expressions of enjoyment suddenly drop.
Fatigue.
Those suffering from depression are chronically tired because they have lost their previous zest for life. Without enthusiasm, they do not have much of an appetite nor get enough sleep.
Concentration Problems.
Lack of interest in the world around them leads to shortness of concentration, bad memory and indecisiveness.
Aches and Pains
It been generally acknowledged by the medical profession that a lot of pain, especially some arthritis and backaches, can be spurred on by stress and chronic depression. Headaches and sudden digestive disorders are also prevalent among the depressed.
Changes in sleep and appetite.
Above we mentioned the lack of these contributing to fatigue. However, other very prominent signs also include the contrary. For instance, when you feel depressed you want to sleep a lot at all hours of the day. Sudden weight gain is a telltale sign of depression as well. The person wants to compensate for the empty soul feeling by filling it with food and/or excessive drinking of alcohol.
Suicidal Thoughts
Be very wary of a person expressing morbid thoughts of death and suicide. Even when seemingly said in jest, seek professional help right away! They may try and camouflage their feelings by responding that they didn’t mean it at all!
Restlessness and irritability.
The inability to see a way out gives the depressed a sense of being trapped. They are obsessed with their negative thoughts, blowing them out of proportion.
Author Resource:-
Ann Stewart is an inspirational writer with the emphasis on healing. "With Wings As Eagles" is an awesome testimony of God's healing power. Individually, however, we also have a role to play in keeping the temple of the Holy Spirit in the best physical condition. Youth Makeover is full of practical Health Tips: Youth Makeover and With Wings As Eagles
![[Valid RSS feed]](/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
