By: S. Spells
For a diagnosis of depression, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks and must indicate a change from your pre-existing level of functioning. There are many other signs to look out for in a person. Such as trouble remembering details, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, pessimistic behavior, insomnia, irritability, persistent pain (such as headaches, cramps or digestive issues) that does not improve with treatment and thoughts of suicide or suicidal attempts. Depression is nothing to joke around about and should always be taken seriously. Even if the person you know is going through depression and does not want help, you should still try to help them get better. Most people are in denial about it and can make their symptoms worse, but they can get better! o perform at work and at home and cause a number of mental and physical issues.
From moderate to severe, depression symptoms might include:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions.
Thoughts of death or suicide
For a diagnosis of depression, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks and must indicate a change from your pre-existing level of functioning. There are many other signs to look out for in a person. Such as trouble remembering details, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, pessimistic behavior, insomnia, irritability, persistent pain (such as headaches, cramps or digestive issues) that does not improve with treatment and thoughts of suicide or suicidal attempts. Depression is nothing to joke around about and should always be taken seriously. Even if the person you know is going through depression and does not want help, you should still try to help them get better. Most people are in denial about it and can make their symptoms worse but they can get better!
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