Feeling down is a part of life because you cannot always remain happy and satisfied. There are situations and circumstances that make us sad and depressing. However, it completely depends on the type of situation and how you handle it to judge whether the condition was depressive or manageable.

There are many factors that make a person feel depressed. But one of the factors that can be disheartening for one can be of no value for another. However, symptoms can be similar and if uncontrolled, very dangerous too.

What is Depression?

Setbacks and disappointments are part of life. Many people describe depression when they are sad. But depression is much more than mere unhappiness. In fact, there are many depressed people who do not feel sad at all, instead they feel apathetic, empty and lifeless. If this state is messing about your state of mind and affecting your day to day work, you need to check this out with a doctor.

How to Know You are Depressed

If you identify the signs and symptoms of clinical depression, it means that you are suffering from the problem and it needs special care and treatment. Analyze -

• Do you sleep too much or cannot sleep completely?


• Can you concentrate as easily as you could do before?
 
• Can you perform the task you were able to do comfortably now also?


• Have you stopped eating or lost your appetite?
 
• Do you feel hopeless and helpless?


• Do you feel like there is no charm in life and it is not worth living?


• Have you turned irritable and short tempered?


• Do you find it impossible to cope with negative thoughts?

If you find that answers to all or most of these questions is ‘yes’, you need to consult any doctor and get it treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Depression

Feeling Helpless and Hopeless – This is one of the common symptoms and almost everyone suffering from depression goes through this.

Short Temperedness and Irritability – Usually irritability and short temperedness increases as the person gets into depression. The level of tolerating things goes down and you feel that everything gets into your nerves.

No or Very Less Energy – The depressed person feels that he has no energy or very less energy and that makes him sit idle and movement gets hampered. If unattended, this can make the person bed ridden also.

Difficulty in Performing Daily Activities – Usually a depressed person does not find any interest in daily activities and even lose interest in hobbies and social activities. In fact, the ability to heel the joy and fun is not present.

Change in Sleep Pattern – The person either suffers from insomnia or sleeps a lot.

Change in Appetite – It is not that the depressed person only eats less. Researches have shown that some people eat lot more and go on gaining weight.

Suicidal Feelings – Feeling of worthlessness is quite common in people feeling severe depression.

Dangerous Symptoms

• Talking about killing someone or one’s self


• Acting restlessly
 
• Uncaring for death


• Calling people and saying final good bye


• Getting issues solved


• Sudden switch in mood – Getting too calm and happy

Watch out the signs and symptoms of any person who seems to be depressed and is a near and dear one. It is good to consult with the professional before it gets worsen or changes into warning signs.