Symptoms Of Depression - 3 Things To Look For Before You See Your Doctor

Symptoms of Depression

By Joe Stevens

Depression has become recognized as a potentially dangerous disease by doctors in the past several years. Unfortunately, it hasn't always been this way. People used to be labeled as hypocondriacs, whiners, lazy, ect. You get the picture.

However, there are now many famous people that have come forward and shared their disability with others. People like former NFL and Hall of Fame Quarterback, Terry Bradshaw, Actress Linda Hamilton, of " The Terminator" and "Beauty and the Beast" fame, came forward a few years back and stated that she too suffered from depression.

The average person could have depressive symptoms and not be aware that they could have a very real problem. Many people are in denial that they could have anything like that happen to them. Some of us tend to have a "super hero" mentallity, where admitting that we could have a problem such as depression might make us (God forbid!) human.

Here are three signs that you could be suffering from symptoms of depression.

> 1. YOU FEEL CRUMMY, DON'T KNOW WHY, AND IT LASTS AT LEAST 2 WEEKS

I'm talking about lack of energy, sadness, possible crying episodes, ect. You've either never, felt this way or at least not for this long. You could be moody, have a lack of enthusiasm, loss of interest in things that you normally like to do, ect. Maybe your wife, kids, co-workers, relatives or friends notice that something is wrong with you. You could also have a loss of sex drive.

> 2. YOU HAVE THOUGHTS OF HURTING YOURSELF OR OTHERS

This is pretty self explanatory. If you feel that you're a "normal" guy or gal and you are all of the sudden having feelings of harming yourself or others, then it's time to seek professional help.
This is potentially a symptom of what's know as Bipolar Disorder or more commonly known as Manic Depression. Many manic depressives will resort to self mutilation as a way of crying for help. Razor cuts on the arms are quite common. I know that this doesn't paint a pretty picture. As I stated before, depression is a potentially serious disease.
If you or anyone you know suffers from symptoms like this, please seek medical help right away.

> 3. YOU WANT TO ISOLATE YOURSELF FROM OTHERS

Everyone needs privacy at times, but I'm talking about when you just don't want to be around others for any length of time. Perhaps you're having symptoms of anxiety, such as heart racing, chest pains, sweaty palms, rapid breathing, ect.
Anxiety and depression can go hand in hand. There are many individuals taking medication for both symptoms at the same time.