Symptoms of Depression

Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. It’s a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles, or injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming, cause physical symptoms, and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life.

World Health Organization: “Depression.”; Mayo Clinic: “Depression.”; American Psychiatric Association: “What Is Depression?”; Anxiety and Depression Association of America: “Understand the Facts: Depression.”; Getty; Comstock Images;i Stock/Getty Images Plus; Thinkstock; AudioJungle; Rike; Vanessa Clara Ann Vokey; Somos/Veer; KatarzynaBialasiewicz; funduck

That’s when it’s time to seek medical help.

Your regular doctor is a good place to start. They can test you for depression and help manage your symptoms. If your depression goes untreated, it may get worse and last for months, even years. It can cause pain and possibly lead to suicide, as it does for about 1 of every 10 people with depression.

Recognizing the symptoms is key. Unfortunately, about half the people who have depression never get it diagnosed or treated.

They can include:

There isn’t a “depression test” a doctor can use to see if you have it, so figuring that out often starts with a thorough history and physical exam.

Your doctor will want to know:

You’ll also be asked if you’ve had similar symptoms of depression before, and if so, how it was treated.

If your doctor rules out a physical cause for your symptoms, he may start you on a treatment or refer you to a mental health professional. This specialist will figure out the best course of treatment. That may include medicines (such as antidepressants), a type of therapy called psychotherapy, or both.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts or intentions are serious. Warning signs include:

If you or someone you know shows any of the above warning signs, call your local suicide hotline, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room.

Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a treatment option for people whose symptoms don’t get better with medicine or who have severe depression and need treatment immediately.

If your symptoms of depression are causing problems with relationships, work, or your family — and there isn’t a clear solution — you should see a professional.

Talking with a mental health counselor or doctor can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if your symptoms stay for any length of time.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, get help right away.

It’s important to understand that feeling depressed doesn’t mean you have depression. That condition involves not only changes in mood, but also changes in sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, and motivation.

If you have physical symptoms like these and find yourself feeling depressed much of the time for days or weeks, see your doctor.

SOURCES:

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5.

National Institute of Mental Health: “What are the symptoms of depression?”

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Depression.”

The National Women’s Health Information Center: “Depression.”

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Depression in Older Adults: What it is and how to get help.”

The Journal of the American Medical Association. “Recommendations for Screening Depression in Adults.”

Pagination

Differences between feeling depressed and feeling blue.

Famous people who’ve struggled with persistent sadness.

Learn the truth about this serious illness.

Tips to stay the treatment course.

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Symptoms of Depression

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