Depression Help: Understanding the Symptoms

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Author: Matthew Hawking

In the ultra-connected multi-tasking modern world, it is normal to get bogged down from time to time. Dark moods and periods of sadness are a normal part of life and depression is often a term used to describe such periodic doldrums. However, clinical depression is a more complicated and serious matter. If you think you or a loved one may be dealing with depression, recognizing and understanding the symptoms is a great first step toward finding treatment.

Symptoms

Clinical depression is a complex condition and symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient. To complicate matters even more, it can be difficult to imagine what depression is like if you have never experienced it firsthand. Despite these issues, there are a few hallmarks and common symptoms of depression that can help you identify a possible case in yourself, a friend or family member.

Difficulty Concentrating

Depression sufferers often have trouble focusing on even the most basic tasks. They can seem preoccupied or generally disaffected and often have trouble recalling important information. This can sometimes be evident as problems at school or work.

General Lack of Motivation

One often very apparent change in many depression patients’ lives leaves them feeling disinterested in things they once took great pleasure in. Sufferers will sometimes abandon personal projects, give up their hobbies or pass up opportunities to socialize. The effect can even extend to basic functions like bathing, eating, attending school or going to work. This shift can be very apparent sometimes, and the greater the change, the more likely the problem is depression.

Changes in Sleep Schedule

People dealing with depression sometimes experience changes in their normal sleeping habits. This can take the form of insomniaâ€"patients may wake up prematurely or be unable to fall asleep in the first placeâ€"or it can cause them to sleep much more often than usual.

Lack of Energy

One very physical symptom of depression is the lack of energy. Patients can find it difficult to complete even simple tasks and may find it exhausting to lead their lives normally. Feelings of Hopelessness and Self Hatred

If you find yourself or loved ones speaking gloom and doom, expressing the belief that things will never get better or that nothing can help them with their problems, depression could be at work. Such patients also tend to pile guilt and blame on themselves, oftentimes exaggerating their flaws and exhibiting other signs of self-loathing such as self-inflicted physical abuse.

Suicidal Thoughts

An extreme and glaringly obvious symptom of depression is the consideration of or interest in suicide. If you fear someone you love could be depressed, take any talk of suicide seriously. When sufferers speak of suicide, it is a clear sign that their depression has reached a critical level and your help will be vital to their recovery.

Causes of Depression

Clinical depression can affect people of any age and from all walks of life and can sometimes seem spontaneous, but many forms of depression have clear causes. Understanding the cause of your depression can hold the key to recovery. Common depression triggers include loneliness, financial worries, health problems, relationship trouble and stress overload. Often, depression is the result of a number of triggers working together. The best way to sort out possible causes and explore viable solutions is with a licensed therapist.

Types of Depression

Though depression can cover a broad base of symptom and effects, certain types have unique symptoms and are distinguishable from other forms of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Most common in northern latitudes, seasonal affective disorder is brought on by chemical changes in the body due to the decreased sunlight of winter. This type of depression is fairly well-known and is treatable with light therapy.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia, also known as recurrent depression, exhibits low-level effects that span over a long periodâ€"at least two years. Patients suffering from dysthymia are more apt to ignore their symptoms or dismiss it, as bouts with depression only occur on occasion. Sufferers often report the feeling that they have always been depressed, despite having periods of normal mood.

Major Depression

The most acute form of depression, major depression triggers severe symptoms and generally lasts between four and eight months if untreated. Patients who experience major depression often have reoccurring episodes throughout their lives.

Atypical Depression

Similar in most ways to major depression, atypical depression can be just as severe, but lifts in mood and even happiness can be achieved in brief bursts.

Depression is a serious medical condition and should be regarded as such. If you feel like you may be afflicted with depression, the sooner you contact your doctor, the better your chances of feeling better sooner. With the help of your doctor and a good understanding of depression’s causes and effects, you can begin your trip down the path to recovery today.

Matthew Hawking is a freelance writer who writes about self improvement by seeking out depression help.