To learn more about clinical depression please visit the web site Depression and You by Clicking Here.
When most people think of depression they normally only think of the two most common symptoms; feeling blue or sad for an extended period of time or the condition known as anhedonia where someone fails to find pleasure in the things that normally bring them happiness. Unfortunately clinical depression symptoms are much more than those two things and for millions who suffer its effects the results can be devastating.
Clinical depression refers to any number of depressive disorders that affects people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, cultures, and religions. According to stats provided by the American Psychiatric Association more than 17 million men and women suffer from some form of clinical depression in the United States each year.
The down periods that most people experience through out life are much different then the depressed moods experienced by those who suffer from depression. Everyone will feel the "blues" after a traumatic event such as the end of a relationship or death of a family member or friend. The feelings soon go away and they move on with their life where as someone battling depression will be unable to snap out of their depressed mood.
Clinical depression symptoms are many and varied, but if you or someone you know suffers from one or any combination of the following signs it is best to seek the help of a licensed mental health professional.
1. Sleep Disturbances – Chronic insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep) and not entering REM sleep are two signs of depression.
2. Chronic fatigue and no energy to take part in formerly normal activities can be a warning sign.
3. Weight loss or gain resulting from changes in eating habits.
4. Physical symptoms such as headache, digestive problems, and back pain for which there is no diagnosable illness.
5. Withdrawal from social functions, work, and obligations as well as losing interest in hobbies and other activities that were enjoyable.
6. Decision making becomes suspect along with an inability to concentrate and loss of memory.
7. Lack of concern with personal grooming and responsibilities.
8. Continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt accompanied by episodes of crying and weeping.
9. Short tempered irritability and other behavioral changes.
10. Thoughts of death and suicide are common and the feeling that living is no longer worth doing.
To make a diagnosis that a person is depressed a combination of these symptoms of clinical depression must be in evidence for two or more weeks. Anyone who suffers from these symptoms needs to receive treatment from a licensed mental health care professional. Clinical depression is treatable, usually most successfully, with a combination of therapy and medication.
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