Recognizing Depression Symptoms

Depression can sometimes be difficult to recognize by those who are not in the medical profession because it often shows itself in many ways that a layperson does not equate with depression. 

There are many different signs and symptoms of depression, but it is important for family and close friends to have the ability to not necessarily have the medical expertise to know when a loved one is suffering from depression rather than temporary unhappiness but to know enough about the condition to recognize it.  Some of the most common signs of major depression include the following:

• Extreme sadness and crying over minor incidents
• A marked increase in irritability, crankiness, and inability to find satisfaction
• A person will become frustrated more easily and give up easier when a first attempt fails
• Poor concept of oneself, low self-esteem, and being reluctant about trying something new
• Lack of interest in things that a person previously enjoyed
• Increase or decrease in appetite that triggers rapid weight loss or weight gain.  A decrease in appetite is more common.
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Actions that are slow or inhibited
• Extreme fatigue
• Inability to concentrate or decrease in attention span or memory
• Thinking or talking about death or suicide

Although these signs are directed more toward the person who is showing major depression signs that does not mean that, you should overlook any variation of these signs.  Even someone exhibiting signs of teenage depression can quickly slip from mild depression to major depression in just a matter of seconds.  That does not mean you need to watch a depressed person all hours of the day and night, but you have to be cognizant about their behavior.

There is no single cause of depression, although it can be triggered by stressful situations in those people what are prone to depression.  It tends to run in families, so if you have a family member that suffers from depression, it is quite possible you may be prone to depression.  That does not mean that everyone who has a depressed family member will become a victim of depression, but they certain have an increased risk of predisposal to the condition.

Those who are inclined to exhibit signs of depression are certainly able to control it with counseling, medication or a combination of both. How a person responds to treatment is an individual thing and may be different for people in the same household just as the symptoms may be different for each person.  There is no set rule on how each person will respond to depression any more than the same treatment plan will work the same for each person.  This is the reason why it is so essential for a person to seek the assistance of a mental health professional if they experience extreme sadness for a long period of time.

Anyone who suspects he or she may be suffering from depression should seek professional help.  The longer you wait the more difficult it will be to treat.  In addition, it is important to learn to recognize the difference between depression and sadness.  Everyone exhibits some symptoms that may appear to be depression but only a professional can diagnose and treat depression in adults or those showing signs of teenage depression.