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Saturday, December 15, 2007

A Comprehensive Introduction To The Depression Signs And Symptoms

By Sky Joe

Depression is, rightly, characterised by a sustained period of unhappiness yet many symptoms of depression are not linked to the idea of depression in many people's minds. People often say they are ‘feeling depressed' when, actually, they are feeling nothing of the sort and are merely having one of life's natural low points; depression lasts longer and affects a person's ability to function. It can cause a sufferer's personality and behaviour to change, and can cause them to experience eating disorders, sleep disorders, behavioural disorders and substance abuse; much of which isn't associated with depression in many people's minds and can, therefore, go untreated and unrecognised.

The common depression signs and symptoms are listed below:

  1. Delusions or hallucinations
  2. Loss of concentration
  3. Sadness or irritability
  4. Increased tiredness
  5. Insomia or excessive sleep
  6. Decreased sex drive
  7. Loss of appetite and weight loss
  8. Suicidal attempts or thoughts
  9. Depressive feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness
  10. Frequent physical discomfort and pain
If the above symptoms persist for more than two weeks, clinical depression may be present. The greater the number of signs present, the higher the probability of depression occurring. It should be stressed that if suicidal feelings are present as a depression sign, immediate diagnosis and proper treatment should be given. Some people who are severely depressed say they feel like they have completely lost their emotions, and this is one of the most distressing symptoms of depression. You feel numb. You cannot cry and feel like there are no more tears left. You may not feel that you are part of the living world. In addition, you may even feel distant to your family members or friends and do not like to socialize at all. Depression can have adverse effects on the body and worsens existing medical conditions or it is the cause for physical symptoms. Depression and anxiety can be associated with several ailments for which there are no physical cause associated with them. Thus, if you suspect that your loved one is exhibiting signs or symptoms of depression, it is advisable that professional help is seeked immediately.

©Skyjoe. All rights reserved. This article may be freely distributed as long as it remains unaltered inclusive of the active links and the copyright notice. No alteration is allowed without express written permission from the author.

If you wish to know more about effective clinical depresion treatment, major causes of depression and the complications resulting from depression, you can visit this comprehensive site : Guide To Living With Depression

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