How to Recognize Depression

Learning how to recognize depression is important to maintain emotional and physical health. The blues has a way of sneaking up on everyone at some point. You did not get that promotion you have been working so hard for. Romance has taken a dip. Your patience level has dropped and you are not as meticulous as you once were. Health issues can put you in a slump because you are not feeling your best. As quickly as these situations surface, they usually do not last for long and life keeps rolling. But feeling down for extended periods of time could be an indication of something serious.

Signs of depression are not always blatant. But when you know things are not quite right, there are symptoms to look for so you know how to recognize depression as the possible culprit.

1. Change in work performance. When the quality of work substantially decreases, this could be recognized as depression. You become immersed in work to avoid facing issues that are disrupting your life.  
2. Avoiding others. You prefer to spend more time alone. People you usually hang out with, or close family members, do not see you as much as before.
3. Too much or too little sleep. Have you started sleeping too much? Do you feel you cannot get out of bed, or don’t care to? Is there a battle to get a good night’s rest because you feel wired and have a lot on your mind?
4. Grooming habits change. The clean-shaven guy with the fresh haircut is starting to look like there was only time for a two minute shower and is sporting the five o’clock shadow all day.  
5. Increase of alcohol consumption. Friday cocktails after work are now Monday-Sunday cocktails.
6. Personality switch. You may have recognized depression signs when there is a noticeable change in disposition. The pleasant demeanor you normally possess is now edgy and grumpy.
7. Difficulty concentrating. The focus on important tasks or hobbies you love, that usually has your full attention, is now a challenge to maintain due to the slightest distractions.
8. Financial problems. The affects of financial difficulties is another way to recognize depression. A sudden layoff makes it hard to meet financial obligations while trying to figure out how to move forward.
9. Feeling worthless. Sudden feelings of guilt and worthlessness for no recognizable reason is a symptom of depression.
10. Change in eating. You should be concerned when there is a significant change in eating habits. Loss of appetite or poor food choices is not only alarming, but unhealthy.
11. Thoughts of suicide. Drastic changes in emotions resulting in thoughts, or talk, of suicide are definite signs of depression and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Millions of people are affected with emotional illness each year. With an appropriate course of treatment life can enjoyable again. If you recognize depression symptoms in your life or in the life of a loved one and feel it is impossible to cope contact your doctor. He, or she, can help you on the path to successful treatment. If a friend or family member is showing signs of depression let him, or her, know you care and it may be a good idea to call their doctor for an evaluation.

Resources:

Recognize Depression

Sleeping Too Much

Cope