When life gets difficult, it may be hard to determine whether you’re sad or have a bigger problem, depression. Feeling sad is a key component in depression but it’s not the only one. You’ll need to consider many other factors when trying to determine if you are depressed.
The Symptoms of Depression
If you’ve experience any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks and they have made it difficult or impossible to do the things you normal could do, you may be suffering depression.
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Feeling guilty, worthless or helpless
- Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
- Change in sleeping habits (more or less)
- Change in eating habits (more or less)
- Unable to enjoy the activities you once did such as hobbies and/or sex
- Irritable or restless
- Difficulty with concentration
- Memory problems
- Indecisiveness
- Feeling anxious or sad most of the time
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
One of the best ways to find out if your sadness is something more is to schedule a time to speak to your doctor. Your physician will be able to give you a full assessment of your current level of functioning and determine whether you need antidepressant medication and/or seek counseling.
Feeling sad is a normal part of life but when it gets in the way of living, you need to do something about it.
Wed, Mar 17, 2010
Health, Mental Health, Stress