Have you lost all interest or pleasure in any activity? Feel worthlessness or hopelessness? When these feelings are accompanied by changes in appetite and sleep, problems concentrating and physical complaints, the chance is high that you have a depression. In this case an appropriate diagnosis and early treatment by a physician is very important. Look through the information to find out how to recognize and treat depression.
Bipolar Basics
Warning Signs of Depression Red flags - as early indicators of an impending mood swing, with the depressive episode. As it relates to bipolar disorder, a depressive episode can be defined as the downswing in a mood cycle.
Depression is typified by profound sadness, dejection or despair. In general, depression is not tied to a specific experience or it is well beyond a typical response to a painful event. This is an extreme emotional state that impairs daily living.
We look at some of the common red flags of depression, because the earlier an episode is treated, the less its severity.
There has organized these symptoms into broad categories for easier reference. This is important to note that depression is experienced differently from one person to the next so not all symptoms will present for all individuals.
Changes In Activity or Energy Level * Decreased Energy * Fatigue * Lethargy * Diminished Activity * Insomnia or Hypersomnia * Loss of Interest in Pleasurable Activities * Social Withdrawal
Emotional Pain * Prolonged Sadness * Unexplained, Uncontrollable Crying * Feelings of Guilt * Feelings of Worthlessness * Loss of Self-Esteem * Despair * Hopelessness * Helplessness
Physical Changes * Unexplained Aches and Pains * Weight Loss or Gain * Decreased or Increased Appetite * Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation
Changes in Thought Patterns * Inability to Concentrate * Indecision * Problems with Memory * Disorganized
