Symptoms of Clinical Depression
Some of the Possible Warning Signs of a Depressed Person
Sep 4, 2009
According to the Mental Health Foundation, one-in-four women will require treatment for depression in their lifetime, and the World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2020, depression will be the second largest global health concern after chronic heart disease.
While everyone experiences low moods and feels "blue" from time to time, clinical depression is defined as a low mood that continues for a period of longer than two weeks and generally includes several other symptoms.
Physical Symptoms of Depression
Most people will be familiar with the emotional symptoms of depression (detailed below), but will not realise that suffering from depression can effect an individual physically.
- Heightened sensitivity to pain – Sufferers of depression can feel pain more acutely than they would normally, this in turn can lead to the depression itself deepening.
- Headaches – An increase in headaches can be indicative of clinical depression, and some may find that migraines become worse and more frequent.
- Constant tiredness – Feeling tired all the time is an increasing symptom of modern life and can also be indicative of a viral infection. However, it is also a classic sign of depression and sufferers may feel as though they need to sleep even after a 12 hour nap.
- Problems with sleep – Contrary to the above symptom, some sufferers may find it difficult to get to sleep, laying awake long into the night. Linking to this, some may find that they wake several times in the night, leaving them exhausted in the morning, or find themselves unable to get back to sleep once they have awoken.
- Changes in appetite – Although occasional comfort eating in itself is quite common, a sudden increase in food consumption can be a warning sign. Conversely, a sudden loss of appetite can be equally as telling as a symptom of depression.
- Digestive problems – Some studies have indicated a link between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and depression, as well as slowing of the digestive tract and/or an increase in bouts of diarrhoea.
Emotional Symptoms of Depression
The emotional symptoms of depression can be a lot more difficult to spot as they can be easily masked or even dismissed as part of everyday life, but they can be just as debilitating as a physical ailments associated with depression.
- Persistent thoughts of death and/or suicide – Some find they develop a preoccupation with death and have continual feelings of not wanting to live anymore. Suicidal feelings can also be common, and if they should develop, it is important to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Persistent sadness – Some sufferers find they are unable to feel cheerful and may cry for no reason.
- Feelings of guilt-Sufferers may feel extremely guilty for their condition, this can be impacted by the reactions of others. For example, asking "what have you got to be depressed about?" can be an unhelpful respose.
- Feeling unworthy or worthless – There can be a tendency for an individual to feel as though they have no meaning or they contribute nothing, this is often the prelude to suicidal thoughts.
- Feelings of self-loathing and loss of self-esteem-Hatred of themselves in common symtom of depression and sufferers may loose all sense of value within themselves.
Behavioural Changes Associated with Depression
Previously sociable people may find themselves actively avoiding talking to or being around others, effectively alienating themselves from even their close friends and family. Some people also find it extremely difficult to concentrate on even simple tasks (such as reading or watching TV) and may have difficulty even holding a conversation.
Despite this, it is just as likely that the sufferer will mask their symptoms to the extent that nobody — not even their closest friends — are able to know what is happening. An individual suddenly becoming overly happy or confident can also be a clue as it could be an attempt to hide their condition.
If clinical depression is a concern or possibility, a medical professional should be consulted as soon as possible.
Sources:
- The Depression Source Book: Symptoms. Treatments and Therapies of Mood Disorders, by Brian Quinn, Lowell House, April 1997.
- The Depression Trap: 10 Ways to Set Yourself Free, by Nancy Hine, Red Raft Publishing LLP, Feb 2008.
- Depression Alliance and The Mental Health Foundation
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