by Marea E. Johnson

Created on: January 18, 2009   Last Updated: December 19, 2011

It's important to recognize the symptoms of depression either in yourself or a loved one, as it can take its toll both emotionally and physically if left untreated. But before attempting to make a "diagnosis", it's important to make the differentiation between sadness, grief, moodiness, stress, and true, clinical depression.

Most people, at one time or another in their lives have suffered from a severe bout of sadness brought on by life's circumstances. We may be sad for a week or two and may not feel like getting out of bed or answering the phone. We may "call in sick" at work, and just kind of hibernate in general.

After a time though, we eventually come to terms with the loss or trauma, and gradually get back to our everyday lives. With clinical depression though, this doesn't happen. Instead of getting better, the person actually stays the same, or more commonly, gets worse.

If someone exhibits any combination of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, then it's probably time they see a therapist to try and figure out what is behind their depression and what can be done to treat it.

Personality Changes

The depressed person begins to smile less, laugh less, and lose interest in interacting with others. They may retreat to their bedroom if guests visit, or refuse phone calls and invitations to go out. They may not get dressed for the day, comb their hair, or apply make-up. Days may go by before they shower. They may begin to cry for virtually no reason, and at times continue for long periods of time. They may lose interest in sex, and not be receptive to affection.

Or, the opposite could occur if the person also suffers from anxiety with their depression. In that case, they may become clingy, needy, suspicious, jealous, and feel chronically ignored. No amount of attention seems to satisfy them because of their intense feelings of self-loathing.They will seem chronically sad, hopeless, negative, guilty, anxious, and irritable. They may talk of suicide and begin to act recklessly, e.g., driving too fast, drinking too much, engaging in unsafe sex, etc.,. They very often won't know how to articulate their feelings.

Changes in Sleep

The sleep patterns of the depressed person will often become erratic. They may begin sleeping too much, or not enough. They may feel tired all of the time, and often take naps throughout the day, even when nothing physical has been done. They might have trouble falling, and then staying, asleep. They may wake throughout the

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>