Know If You Are Depressed
There is a difference between being sad and being clinically depressed. Here are some ideas to determine if you have depression.
Instructions
1. There is a difference between being sad and clinically depressed. The term sad relates to specific situations where it would be expected you feel sad. For example, someone dying, an argument with a partner, etc.
2. On the other hand, depression can be experienced without a specific stressor. It can also originate from a stressor but feelings of extreme sadness continue long after what would be considered expected. For an example, it is normal to feel sad after someone dies. If after 9 months, you are unable to get up in the morning,, cry often, etc, then it would be considered depression.
3. The following are symptoms of clinical depression:
Persistent feelings of sadness
Persistent feelings of anxiety
Feelings of "numbness" to feelings or mood
Change in sleep (too much or too little, or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
Change in appetite (less or more of an appetite
Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Restlessness, irritability
Difficulty concentrating, staying on task or finishing a task
Difficulty making a decision
Difficulty with memory
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Thoughts of suicide or death
4. If you experience 3 or more of the above for more than a month to 3 months, it would be advised that you seek professional help for an evaluations.
5. If you are still unsure, below are websites that offer free online depression screenings.
6. Depression can be treated with medication and/or therapy.
Set up an appointment with a psychiatrist for medications or with a therapist for counseling or therapy.
7. Online therapy can also be helpful. Go to www.onlinetherapyclinic.net for more information.
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