Depression Symptoms

Posted by Jayne on March 10, 2009 under Depression | Be the First to Comment

How do you know if you, or someone you care about is depressed? Depression is a serious condition. Having a low mood or feeling sad at times is a normal experience. However for people with depression these feelings are prolonged, intense and accompanied by other symptoms. 

The symptoms of depression include:

• Depressed mood most of the day
• Loss of pleasure in previously pleasurable activities
• Sleeping difficulties, early morning waking, sleeplessness or excessive sleeping
• Lethargy and fatigue, difficulty getting motivated
• Poor concentration and memory
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
• Thoughts of self harm

There may have been increased irritability and anger outbursts, and withdrawal from family and friends. Many people find they have gradually given up doing the things that they used to enjoy over recent months and that life feels very lonely. Social interactions can be a source of frustration as general irritability increases. This can lead to more conflict with others at home and at work. The difficulty in getting motivated and the feelings of fatigue can affect work performance or the ability to get things done at home. Relationships can suffer. 

Depression is not a weakness of character, or something that people can ’snap out of’. It is not laziness and it does not mean the person does not care. 

A diagnosis of depression should not be made just by completing a checklist of symptoms, however it can be used as a indicator that further assessment with a GP or psychologist is needed to rule out other causes or medical conditions. 

For more information on depression visit the beyond blue site

For depression treatment Bathurst or Lithgow ph: 0412022995

Jayne Hogan Registered Psychologist Bathurst – Lithgow 

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