Clinical Depression: Ten Signs or Symptoms That You Are Depressed
82Hi Readers, this hub is created to help those that might be going through a rough time and need help. I remember when I was clinically depressed and almost lost my life had it not been for family and friends. Maybe these tips will help. If you know someone who is showing any of these clinical depression symptoms, get them help fast before it gets worse.
It is a fact that someone who is depressed is usually the last to realize it.
About clinical Depression
There are many different types od depression but the one I am talking about is clinical depression because this is the one that had me in a state invisible bondage for years.
Clinical depression is where a person feels depressed for an extended period of time and their daily lives are severely affected by this. When a person is clinically depressed it changes their lifestyle, eating habits, sleeping habits, work attitude, their interactions with people and their general outlook on life.
People who suffer from this condition are usually irrational in their thoughts and behaviour and see things in a dark or negative light. They cannot be easily cheered up and they will withdraw from society. They usually end up contemplating suicide or actually going through with it.
This kind of depression doesn't easily going away. Meaning it's not season or for short periods. In most cases, clinical depression last for years if goes untereated and usually requires some sort of therapy to recover.
Some people will become worse and become irrecoverable, having a total breakdown.
1. A Low Sad Feeling
One of, and sometimes the first symptom if clinical depression is a low sad feeling. If this feeling last for more than three days then try to figure out what is going on. Is there a death in the family? Are you in good health? What is wrong? It is understandable if you are grieving or having a broken heart but a sudden feeling of sadness and low personal thoughts are definitely one of the first signs you are depressed. This is always accompanied by a feeling of being lost or a feeling of guilt.
2. The feeling of not wanting to get out of bed
Most lazy people feel this way everyday, but the industrious are usually up and buzzing not getting enough time to rest and relax. When someone you know who is usually up and about takes to their bed at nine or ten in the morning, start asking questions. Get them out of bed and doing stuff they may enjoy. Get them to go out to dinner or a movie. Don't leave them alone or it will get worse. Depression usually tale on this symptom early in the condition.
3. Sleeping too much
The two first symptoms are usually associated with this one. You will find yourself feeling low and sad, probably thinking that your are not well or that your a worthless, then the feelings of weariness takes over and you don't want to get out of bed. Being weary will let you sleep till noon or even all day. You just want to close those windows and cover your head with the sheets and pretend it is still night. This depression symptom will send red flags to the very observant person.
4. Insomnia
You might not believe it but insomnia is sometimes considered a symptom of depression. This might sound a little contradictory but it sometimes comes after the over sleeping. What may happen after a while of too much sleeping is that when you go to bed at night you lie awake wondering what's happening to you. You will start to get restless and not able to fall asleep until the wee hours of the morning and the weariness comes back again and you sleep all day.
Note: Not everyone who is depressed will experience insomnia. This is a disorder in itself and may be reflective of another problem.
5. Loss or Gain of Appetite
(a) Loss - Some persons may lose their appetite to some degree or altogether. They can't stand the sight or smell of food and will barely pick around on their plates. You will find these persons losing weight rapidly for the lack of nutrition. This may lead to disorders like Bulimia and Anorexia.
(b) Gain - On the other hand a person may gain their appetite usually for unhealthy foods that are high in fats, sugar and carbs. Ice cream, cookies, cakes and pastries, fried foods and fast foods are their friends. Eating is not for nutrition but for comfort and in most instances they feel that they have no one or nowhere to go for this comfort, hence junk food. These foods provide temporary reprieve form the mental anguish being experienced.
If you find yourself experincing any of these two symptoms, get yourself checked. It may be that you are depressed.
6. Sudden Bursts of Tears
One of the most common symptoms of depression, it may be a quiet reasonable conversation between friends and suddenly there are tears, leaving you perplexed and confused wondering what you did wrong.They might be alone and the tears just start to flow. The kitchen faucet may have a little drip or the jelly jar too tight. Simple things or maybe nothing at all may bring on the tears. Trust me, I have been there.
I remember the first time it happened to me and I called me friend and said, "something si wrong with me, I can't stop crying!"
7. Always wanting to be alone
Being alone is not really a bad thing, but when you want to get away from your spouse, children and friends all the time without explanation they need to get worried. Dying to get home from work all the time away from everyone looking at you. The place seems too crowded and you can't stand the sound of voices, music, cars, any sound at all. You want to lock yourself in your bedroom or bathroom for hours on end. Don't want to talk to anyone, even your spouse. Has this been happening for a while? You are definitely showing signs of depression.
8. Irritability
Annoyed at everyone and everything? Everything gets on your nerves? You get irritated if your quiet is disturbed or someone disobeys you? The simplest of things will have you throwing a tantrum.
Sometimes, immediately after the feeling of irritation the tears will come for some persons. You feel like no one is with you or nothing is going your way.
9. Feelings of Worthlessness and Doom
Another very common symptom. This is where it starts to get really serious. It is not just a feeling anymore but your mind is now taken over by the lowliness and sadness of the early signs. You feel as if nothing is going your way or no one loves you. Your feelings of self worth are very low. The world is against you and you don't want to be in it. You feel like a failure and when you look in the mirror you hate what you see. You feel worthless and lonely even though your house is filled with loved ones. You push away your spouse, relatives, children and friends because you think you are worth nothing to them. I can say with surety that you are depressed.
Then ultimately #10 will arrive....................................................
10. Thoughts of Suicide
The moment you start thinking that your family and friends don't need you and that they will be much better off without you, or you can't live without the love of your life, you need instant help.
You needed help from the first signs but sometimes these are signs of other issues. Thoughts of suicide are proof that you are truly depressed and need help fast. Getting help early will prevent the mental breakdown that suicidal thoughts bring.
Overview
Some of the above symptoms are synonymous with other medical or mental problems. However a combination of two or more might be an indication that the person is depressed. If the person displays sign one and/or two keep a close eye to see if the others will develop. Some signs may come not in the order suggested as each person's condition is unique.
Reference: Doctor's Diagnosis. Information garnered through personal experience and personal medical files verified by Physician.
For an idea what depression can lead to read these stories:-
- Getting Through the Dark Times: Endometriosis - A childless life
A true story about Endometriosis and the beginning of years of depression - Getting Through The Dark Times: Depression, Suicide, Nervous Breakdown
A true story about depression and it's effects.
For more information on Depression follow these links:-
- Major depression - PubMed Health
PubMed Health offers up-to-date information on diseases, conditions, drugs, treatment options, and healthy living, with a special focus on comparative effectiveness research from institutions around the world. - Depression Symptoms, Treatment, Medication, Causes, Types, Signs and Diagnosis by MedicineNet.com
Learn about depression symptoms in men, women, teenagers, and children. Plus, read about treatment, medications, medication side effects, causes and diagnosis.
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Hi Cardisa. Thanks for sharing these signs. I will be sure to keep an eye open for them.
Thanks for a great hub. Hopefully this will help sufferers recognize their symptoms and get help. Unfortunately there is always a stigma attached to mental health conditions. We should try to be more understanding and insist that a friend should get help, rather than avoiding the topic just because its easier. Also, we have to insist even if our friend doesn't want our help. One of the problems is that patients usually don't recognize that they have a problem and therefore seek isolation rather than help. Also, depression doesn't necessarily have to be a mental health condition, it can have causes which can easily be corrected with medication e.g. if you have a Vitamin B12 deficiency or a thyroid condition that you may not be aware of. Your doctor can help you find out why you have depression and take the necessary action to improve your well being.
This is a very well written article and those are important signs to pay attention too. I think sometimes we can fall into depression and not quite realize it for a while, so the signs are helpful. Voted/rated up.
This is very well written and informative about a very sensitive subject. I have been there a few times in my life and although I still taking the happy pills, I don't want to visit there again soon.x
I can relate to some of the signs, especially when my long term relationship ended and it took me about 8 years before I dated again. I went through all those stages and I only realized I was depressed after I bought a rope and tried to hang myself. I'm still in the process of healing but this hub is a reminder of how dangerous depression is.
Thanks for writing this, very good hub. Voted it up!
..well I checked off 6 of these with the affirmative status ...... but if I read 10 of your hubs then I am quite sure all of those feelings would go away ... especially with some Blue Mountain coffee, rice and peas and some righteous reggae music - irae!!!!
Lovely hub, Next time maybe you can write about how to come out of depression.
Thanks so much for the "heads up" on these symptoms. I've experienced one or more of these symptoms every time I went through a depressive episode. They are extremely intrusive and really interfere with one's ability to make rational decisions.
Again, thank you for this informative hub.. I know it will definitely help others to determine the likelihood of depression.
Kindest regards,
Dave Kanofsky
Cardisa,
Wonderul hub that all should read. Thank you for giving us the signs and symptoms of depression.Sometimes it can sneak up on someone before they know it.
God Bless,
Sunnie
such a great hub, and so needed for those who feel alone with no hope. love you sis
kimberly
A great hub Cardisa! Very instructive... I can say that I have experienced 8 of the 10 signs at least once this year, usually around the wintery period (always dark and cold)... your tips to get out of some of them are extremely accurate and helpful.
It is a good reminder to shape up so things do not deteriorate ^_^
Up and useful!
Cardisa, you have explained depression perfectly. Great job!
I'm depressed just reading this, he he...just kidding, although I must confess I checked off more than I expected to, it's my dark side coming out, my depression surges me on to write most times, yes many with a bottle of my favorite Red vino to keep me company and let the words flow from my quill like water gushing over a babbling brook. Excellent hub, I enjoyed it very much, thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Well done description of depression. Thanks
Interesting and well shared article which i enjoyed reading from. Actually, i think i have felt this way before in life but the least which i never thought of is suicide because i so much cherish my life and i know suicide is not in anyway the best alternative. All the same, nicely shared hub.
I think the best way to fight depression is to find your point of spirituality or reason for being. Without either, you may as well crawl into a hole. What is the best way to find such states? I think everybody knows how, but some people refuse to look. Later!
Ive experienced everything you wrote about except 6 & 10 on and off for the last 10 years. Whenever I feel all of the above mentioned it can be overwhelming and I try to snap out of it. I think finding an inspiration helps you get out of the dumps.
I am good to go on most days and some days I go get the "blues" but I laugh them away ... I don't use the "D" word :) Informative symptoms! Great job!
Very true Cardisa ... I'll take blues anytime over "D" :)
Great Hub Cardisa,
I can relate to your thoughts on this issue. I have in the past few months felt depress after the passing of my mother. I am now moving forward in a good direction. Your insight is always helpful. Voted up and awesome.
Fine hub. It repeats the slogan of Medical Science that PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. We should always be cautious from depression. Thanks
This really rings true, Cardisa. This year we suffered the loss of my mom and my husband's mom...all on the heals of them having been ill for some time.
I thought I was doing OK but a mild form of depression was setting in for me. Thankfully, I had the rare opportunity of being able to take 6 weeks off from work this summer and did almost nothing but rest, write (which I enjoy), pray and soak up the sunshine. If I had not been able to take that break, I was headed for trouble.
Very good hub. Voted up and useful.
Cardisa, first of all, Good Morning! and THanK YOU for this great hub. You have helped so many and you'll never know just how many lives you have actually saved with this thoughtful and in depth hub. Great work! All ups but funny!
My father was once suffering from depression. He did not know what was happening to him. One day he read an article like this and at once he knew about depression. I'm sharing this story just to tell you that this article is very informative and useful
Excellent hub! Voted up and useful. Linked to my hub Feeling Blue? 6 Ways to Combat Depression to help your traffic...


































ahorseback Level 7 Commenter 12 months ago
Cardisa , you sure are moving along into the hub pages as a writer, In this writing and in your experiences in life , you have so much to offer! Great job! I sure hope you have a great day!