Symptoms of depression
Unless someone is familiar with the symptoms of depression, it’s hard to diagnose. Each year over 15 million people in the USA suffer from some form of depression, many without even realizing it. 2/3 of those never seek help. Why is it hard to detect depression? The answer is simple. Many of the symptoms we associate with depression are problems we all experience from time to time . Therefore, it is not always simple to distinguish between what is perfectly normal and what it a sign of danger.
Sadness is part of living. The mid life crisis at about 40 is common. It’s seen as a huge event during which people look back to determine the worth of their lives. For many it may be depressing to some extent. This does not mean that you are suffering from depression. Depression is not a feeling that will come and go for brief encounters of sadness. Depression is consistent and constant and will progress if not treated. It can take years to get this illness under control.
Symptoms of depression include insomnia and binge eating, or starvation. Again, this does not mean symptoms that last the weekend but rather symptoms that are consistent over long periods of time. Depression often sends people into themselves. They feel hopelessness and helplessness. Their feelings of loneliness and despair are constant and real. They may want to reach out for help but cannot bring themselves to do so. They may find it hard to relate to those around them. Where they once may have been the life of the party they may now be barely noticeable. These are symptoms in the early stages.
Depression in later stages makes a seeming incompatibility between the victim and other people. They find themselves silent when it’s time to speak up at work or in social situations. Dealing with others, even dealing with themselves becomes nearly impossible. They see no hope or purpose for living and start to consider ending it all. To avoid this miserable result early detection is essential. There is help available for those who suffer depression. There are effective means of treatment that will get those suffering back on the right track. If you or someone you like are experiencing lingering symptoms of depression please consult a medical professional for a diagnosis. Lives depend on it.
