The Common Symptoms of Depression Or Depressive Disorder

The signs and symptoms of depression are unique to each individual; however, the most prevalent symptom is the prolonged feelings of sadness or anxiety. While all of us feel some form of anxiety or depression at different times in our lives, some individuals experience these feelings with a greater intensity and frequency that is often on a daily basis adversely affecting their quality of life.

This type of depression is known as a depressive disorder and is referred to in the medical field as clinical depression or major depression. While there are several types of depressive disorders, they are all serious mental illnesses that require medical evaluation and treatment as they have the potential to be life threatening.

The Emotional Symptoms of a Depressive Disorder

Major depression can have a variety of symptoms that are unique for every individual depending on the severity, frequency and length of time they have occurred. Depression can affect an individual's life in all aspects including relationships, social life, and work. Recognizing these symptoms early on and obtaining a medical or mental health assessment is the key to receiving effective treatment.

The symptoms of major depression include a deep sadness that is persistent along with hopelessness and despair. Other common symptoms include the inability to derive pleasure out of life and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable including hobbies and sexual relations.

Many individuals will also have a sense of guilt and suffer from a low self esteem and have a high level of self-criticism with feelings of helplessness and/or worthlessness along with negative and pessimistic thoughts. Many individuals also have symptoms of restlessness, irritability, anger, and find it difficult to control their temper.

These intense feelings of depression also lead to difficulty with concentration, making decisions or judgments, and can also have an effect on memory. Extreme cases of depression often lead to suicidal thoughts and tendencies with estimates showing that two to nine percent of individuals who suffer from clinical depression will commit suicide.

Depression also Includes Physical Symptoms

Not only does depression affect an individual's emotional state of mind, but there are also many physical symptoms associated with depression. Sleeping difficulties are also part of the symptoms of depression and cause some individuals to have insomnia or oversleep. It is common for people with depression to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and they will often wake several times during the night.

Other individuals will sleep for many hours at a time including during day time hours and still have feel tired even chronically fatigued after many hours of sleep. Unhealthy dieting habits are also symptoms of depression and some individuals will overeat while others will experience a loss of appetite.

Physical aches and pains also occur with depression and can include headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and digestive problems. It is estimated that half of individuals who suffer from depression never seek or obtain treatment for their illness. Major depression is a serious illness that will not go away on its own, therefore, when recognizing the symptoms of this disorder it is essential that a medical evaluation is obtained to make a proper diagnosis and receive treatment.

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