MON 4/9 Symptoms of Depression

I was diagnosed with clinical depression back in 2004 or so. One reason that I started blogging a few years ago was because I found that writing created an outlet for me. So I started "Mental Health Monday" for my own self-therapy, but I also hoped that my insights & information might be helpful to others.

Today is a review of the symptoms of depression. CAVEAT:  You may work through this information & conclude that you are clinically depressed. Your best strategy, however, begins with a visit to a mental health provider, who is best equipped to diagnose your depression & begin helping you fight through it.

SOURCE:  webmd.com, "Symptoms of depression" *

"Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. It's a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelmiNg, cause physical symptoms, & last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life . . . "  

• "Trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, & helplessness
• Pessimism & hopelessness
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won't go away
• Digestive problems that don't get better, even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or 'empty' feelings
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts"

COMMENT:  I can relate to almost all of these. There are strategies for coping with depression, including therapy, medication, exercise, & more. I want to emphasize again that it's best to consult with a mental health provider before determining a course of action.

* There are other helpful, online resources to check, including mayoclinic.org.