Depression is not a disease, it is an emotional response to the condition of life. The thought process is; “if this occurs, then I must be having a bad day at work.”
A reality check is needed when diagnosing a depressed person. The person may be upset and feeling very sad but have no real evidence of suicidal thoughts or intent. That is why it is so important to know how to recognize the signs of depression.
If you are concerned that your loved one may be depressed and have seen them act out in some way, like someone who has been crying or behaving erratically, the best thing to do is go to your doctor. If your loved one is showing signs of depression, see your doctor for an evaluation and maybe a little more testing.
It can be a bit difficult to have to make a decision about whether a person with whom you have a relationship should be medicated or leave the decision up to a family member. Many people who experience depression do not have suicidal thoughts and are just feeling down on the inside.
Some signs of depression are just a person getting frustrated with their feelings and there are those who appear to have depression and then show their signs later in life. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor about some of the questions that may come up and this can be one step towards making a better diagnosis.
If you have some idea that you are concerned about a friend or loved one, there are some things that you can do to make a positive diagnosis. Depression is often characterized by changes in mood, hopelessness, loss of interest in usual activities, lack of energy, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and excessive fatigue. Even just having a depressed mood can be a sign of depression.
Sometimes you will be able to catch depression early by observing what a person is doing and noting any changes in their mood. This can be a very helpful tip when you are trying to diagnose depression.
You may also be able to notice something about a person’s appearance that has changed for the worse, especially if they seem to be having problems keeping themselves busy or keeping up with normal activities. Changes in eating habits, drinking habits, sleeping habits, and activity levels are common reasons that people who are depressed start feeling worse.
Feeling fatigued is also a very common symptom of depression. These are just a few symptoms of depression, and they can all be recognized by good healthcare professionals. While it is possible to tell whether someone is depressed without needing to see a professional, a person who seems to be depressed has a good chance of being misdiagnosed and should be examined for depression.
If your loved one is showing signs of depression, seeing a doctor is the next best step that you can take. You can find out if depression is present by checking the situation out and doing a physical exam.
Some of the symptoms that a person’s life can be affected by include symptoms of change in appetite, sleep disturbance, diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities, and decreased energy levels. Some other symptoms that may appear are feelings of guilt, lack of interest in sex, changes in sexual desire, depression, loss of interest in work, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, loss of interest in personal grooming, and others.