Symptoms of Depression
If you or someone you know have any of the following symptoms, call us or seek help from a competent professional:
- Hypersomnia/insomnia, waking early, difficulty getting up
- Psychomotor retardation/agitation (feeling like molasses/lead or jittery)
- Feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, self-critical, critical of others
- Change in appetite (weight gain or weight loss)
- Difficulty focusing, concentrating, making decisions
- Depressed mood, apathy, feeling overwhelmed or despair, ready tearfulness
- Isolation or not wanting contact
- Diminished interest in pleasure or things you were once interested in
- Suicidal ideation, thoughts of suicide, suicide plans or attempts
- Panic, continuous anxiety
- Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment
- Unpredictable or uncontrollable mood swings, restlessness, irritability
- Obsessive thinking, worrying or compulsive behaviours
- Use of alcohol or drugs to get sleep, calm nerves, provide energy or courage
Getting Help
There is no need to live with any of these symptoms on a long term basis.
They may or may not indicate a mood disorder. They may be the result of a physical disorder (thyroid problems can cause these types of symptoms). They may be a normal reaction to a life situation. In any case, they should be looked into. Don’t ignore it. The worst thing that you can do is try to “work through it” alone.
Talk to friends and family and seek professional help. You may have a serious problem that can be readily dealt with, you might prevent a serious problem from occurring and you can have a richer, fuller life.