It is absolutely normal to feel sad, worn out or even empty sometimes. Don't we all? But being depressed is totally different though. Being depressed and 'just feeling sad' are two totally different worlds. Therefore it's important to be aware of the symptoms of depression. If you are able to recognize the symptoms of depression, you are able to determine if it's time to take a break or time to consult your doctor.
There are a lot of common symptoms of depression. You probably know some of these already, like feeling sad an blue overall. And most people associate a pronounced lack of interest and energy with depression, and right they are. Also pretty common and well know symptoms of depression are being indecisive, an obsession with thoughts of dead and even attempts to commit suicide.
Unfortunately, there are some less know symptoms of depression as well. A good example is an unexpected loss or gain in weight, caused by a loss of or an increased appetite. A lower sexual drive is also a clue often keeps unrecognized. Just like a screwed up sleep pattern.
There is not such a thing as depression. In fact, there are various forms of depression. Each and every one of these types brings along its own set of symptoms. Knowing the symptoms of depression, is knowing to key to recovery, while each type of depression needs it's own treatment, drugs and therapy.
The difference between the symptoms of unipolar depression and bipolar depression is quite a good illustration. The symptoms of unipolar depression include feeling depressed overall but most patients experience extreme lows in the morning. On the other hand, patients that suffer Bipolar Depression often show delusional thoughts about what they can and can not accomplish.
A lack of physical energy is quite a common symptom of energy, unless it is exclusively felt in the so called dark months of the year, starting in fall and ending in spring. Such a six months period of depression is called a winter depression.
It's important to know that some symptoms of depression can be triggered by prescription drugs, usually those with beta blockers and cortisone. That means that some symptoms of depression are no symptoms of depression.
Confused? I bet you are. It isn't always easy to properly read the symptoms of depression. It's a job for professionals and trained health care workers. The good news however, is that you don't need to understand the symptoms, all you have to do is recognize the symptoms of depression and let the professionals do their work.
