How can you tell if you are depressed?

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Answer

Depression can hit anyone at anytime and it effects millions of people. Depression can be genetic, caused by the shock of rape, abuse, etc., also a loss of a loved one. There are many reasons for depression.

SYMPTOMS: (If they persist for more than 2 weeks)

Lethargy (no energy) Erratic behavior (drinking more, shopping more than usual, etc.) Doing poorly at school or at work Insomnia Moodiness Aggressive Behavior Losing Interest in family and friends Losing Interest in every day life Sleeping more Pacing Feelings of uselessness and lonliness (you aren't!)

There are more symptoms but I think you can get the general idea. You don't have to have all of the above symptoms to be depressed.

Seek out help from a psychologist (does not prescribe drugs), psychiatrist (can prescribe drugs) or your local Mental Health if you can't afford a specialist in this area. Sometimes just talking out your frustrations will make you feel better and the counseller you are alloted will often help you find solutions to your problems. In many cases a good friend you can trust is just as often as much help.

Depression is quite normal in some cases. If you were to lose a parent(s), relative you were close to, friend or pet, it is quite normal to become depressed for several weeks. It's called "grieving." There is no time schedule to be kept from one individual to the other when it comes to grieving.

If you have no reason in your mind for being depressed you could have become this way through the gene pool in your family. If you feel your family is approachable on this subject (some are not) please ask family members. This information is helpful to your doctor. There are great medications out there that will help you over this hump and in many cases you may not have to be on these medications for the rest of your life.

I find that when there is no real reason for depression it is often genetic and we can learn tools through "Cognative Therapy" to trick our brain into thinking more positively instead of negatively. Deep breathing is also good as well as Yoga or Tai Chi.

Never be embarrassed of the fact you are depressed because you fit in with millions of other people. We all need a good tune-up at at therapist's office every so often, so just take it as that.

Good luck Marcy

Answer

Signs of clinical depression to watch out (last 2-4 weeks):

-lack of sleep

-weight change

-fatigue, energy level

-everyday crying

-insecurity, worrying, over-analyzing what people say

-irritation

-less time outside of house

-neglecting friends (less happy hour, less hang out)

-less words throughout the day

-desire to travel, make a major change in life

These are the things I personally keep in mind when I monitor my condition. Can't really say how personalized the list is or how applicable to other people, but when more than 3-4 happen and continues at least for a week, it's definitely time to consult your doctor.

First answer by steve shorr. Last edit by Today123. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 112 [recommend question]