1 Pay attention to other symptoms of depression. Besides a sense of sadness and loss of interest in things, a depressed person also displays other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks.
As feelings gifts for the past two weeks, check if you have three or more typical symptoms. These symptoms may include:
• Significant loss of appetite or weight loss
• interrupted sleep (if unable to sleep or sleeping too much)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Increased agitation or movement perceptible decrease in other
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Trouble concentrating or feel hesitant• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, attempted suicide or having a suicide plan.
As feelings gifts for the past two weeks, check if you have three or more typical symptoms. These symptoms may include:
• Significant loss of appetite or weight loss
• interrupted sleep (if unable to sleep or sleeping too much)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Increased agitation or movement perceptible decrease in other
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Trouble concentrating or feel hesitant• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, attempted suicide or having a suicide plan.
2 Keep track of how you feel each day for two weeks. If you have a depressed mood, such as feelings of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in things that were once enjoyable, you may be depressed. These symptoms most of the day, nearly every day must be present for at least two weeks.
• These symptoms can last two weeks or more and can leave and return. These are called "recurrent episodes." In this case, the symptoms are more of a "bad day". Have strong mood changes affecting the functions of someone so socially or at work. You can -be stopped going to school or go to work. Also, these feelings can make you lose interest some of your hobbies and favorite activities such as sports, crafts, or visit friends.
• If you have had a major life event such as a death in the family, can display a large number of depressive symptoms and not be clinically depressed. Check with your doctor or therapist to determine if you are experiencing depressive symptoms than what is typical in the normal grieving process.
• These symptoms can last two weeks or more and can leave and return. These are called "recurrent episodes." In this case, the symptoms are more of a "bad day". Have strong mood changes affecting the functions of someone so socially or at work. You can -be stopped going to school or go to work. Also, these feelings can make you lose interest some of your hobbies and favorite activities such as sports, crafts, or visit friends.
• If you have had a major life event such as a death in the family, can display a large number of depressive symptoms and not be clinically depressed. Check with your doctor or therapist to determine if you are experiencing depressive symptoms than what is typical in the normal grieving process.
3 Get help immediately if suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. You should not try to get rid of these thoughts without the help of a professional.
4 Distinguish between depression and the "blues". Blues is a valid set of feelings that can be caused by stress (both positive and negative) major life changes, and even the weather. The key distinction between depression and sadness is knowing the severity and frequency of feelings or symptoms. If you have had symptoms of depression almost every day for two weeks or more, you may be depressed.
• A major life event, such as death of a loved one can cause symptoms similar to depression. One notable difference is perhaps during the grieving process are possible positive memories of the deceased and can still get pleasure from certain activities. Depressed people have more trouble doing normal activities with a sense of fun.
5 Ask if others have noticed a difference in your mood. Tell a family member or trusted friend to see if they have noticed differences in the way you act. Although the experience of a person is more important, the opinions of others who know good person are also important.
• Others may notice that you are prone to unprovoked attacks of crying or inability to perform simple tasks like taking a shower.
