During these physically, mentally and emotionally trying times it is important to be familiar with the common signs of depression. There are various types of depression whose mode of treatment varies from one form to the other. However, even though there are many types of depression the basic symptoms are generally the same.

Understanding the various basic symptoms of depression goes a long way in helping the affected person make informed choices on the appropriate treatment options as well as the risks involved. A patient who understands their illness is better able to communicate his/her symptoms to a doctor and thus receives better health advice, therapy or treatment.

Many people confuse depressive illnesses with having “the blues”, normal sadness or feeling down. Only after these low mood and energy have persisted do they realize that they need to start looking for a solution. Unless the affected person realizes in good time that they need to seek medical help, they risk developing more serious depression related complications like psychological/emotional/mental breakdown, self neglect, social withdrawal, job loss and even suicide.

The numbers of people who unknowingly endure numerous depression symptoms is believed to be bigger than that of those who seek treatment or therapy. This happens because most cases of depression are usually not severe enough to warrant substantial reasons for concern.

Furthermore when most people feel sad, fatigued, irritable, withdrawn and so on (these are typical symptoms of depression) they usually engage in some form of activity to suppress or let off these uncomfortable sensations. Such activities can include exercising, drinking, eating, smoking, taking long breaks from work and so on. More often than not these activities do not remedy the situation and some actually make the situation worse.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of depression:

– Lack of interest in activities that were previously fun and enjoyable. These activities can include day-to-day routines, hobbies, social activities and even sex.

– Strong and endless feelings of fatigue and low energy. The person feels tired very quickly and their bodily movements may become sluggish and strained.

– Loss of ability to feel joy and pleasure.

– Persistent feelings of being helpless and hopeless. Patients usually develop very low expectations of various situations as well as life in general. They tend to believe that no matter what they do the outcome will never be good.

– Low self esteem which is accompanied by feelings of self-loathing and guilt. Some patients project these feelings to others and find that they are unable to stand other people even those who are close to them.

– Irregular sleep patterns. Lack of sleep (insomnia) or oversleeping (hypersomnia).

– Becoming easily irritated, restless, and on edge. They find it hard to tolerate small changes in their usual routines.
– Loss of mental abilities like concentration, memory as well as intellectual capabilities.

– Unexplainable bodily aches and pains like joint aches, headaches are also common.

– Irregular appetite patterns. Cravings for specific food, loss of appetite as well as overeating can affect depressed individuals and this can lead to either rapid weight gain or loss.

– Suicidal tendencies or attempted suicide.

It is important to note that various types of depression affect each individual in different ways. This means that symptoms of depression are different from one sufferer to the next. The reason for these differences in symptoms can include such factors as; preexisting medical condition(s) or illness(es), age, genes, environmental factors, personal habits and gender.

Since the signs of depression are hardly ever the same from one patient to the next, self treatment or medication is not advisable. Any person who suspects that they could be suffering from one form of depression to another should first seek medical assistance from qualified medical practitioners. Only experienced and certified doctors are able to recommend or provide appropriate treatment advice depending on the visible signs of the depressive illness.

Author Bio: To read more informative articles about the various signs of depression as well as other mental health related issues like depression treatment and remedies, visit http://www.depressiontreatmentsite.com/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: depression symptoms, signs of depression, depression warning signs, depression treatment,