How can I tell if I have depression?
Here's the DSM criteria Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present nearly every day during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either a.Depressed mood b.Loss of interest or pleasure I.depressed mood most of the day iimarkedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities iii.significant weight change I've.insomnia or hypersomnia v.psychomotor agitation or retardation vifatigue or loss of energy vii.feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt viii.diminished ability to think or concentrate ix.recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
Here are some other common symptoms Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood Loss of appetite and/or weight loss or conversely overeating and weight gain Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping Restlessness or irritability Feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, helplessness Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down" or sluggish Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
As a psych major and someone who's been in therapy everyone I know would be horrified if I didnt add that you can't self diagnose. The problems you are facing could be related to a thyroid problem or something else. You really need to see a professional.
I have been depressed for the past 4 years and I am now getting better with medication and professional help. At one point I seriously went to rock bottom and I was suicidal so my parents sent me to the psychiatric hospital. But anyways... usually symptoms of depression are not wanting to get up each morning, wanting to crawl in a whole and disappear constantly using distractions to cover up the real problem, and acting really happy when underneath you know you're really sad. I hope this helped. Contact me at hodom@usn.org if you have any more questions. Anyone else too...if you have questions that are related to depression.
