Symptoms of Depression

[ Known Books Main Page ] [ About Thea M. Kellogg ] [ Visions of Sunsets] [ Books ] [ Search Our Inventory ] [ Windows to the Heart ] [ Order Visions of Sunsets ]

. . .

New Link! Just for you, products which can help soothe and ease you back to wellness!

Symptoms of Depression

A depressive illness, as defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, thoughts, and behavior. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive illness is not a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however can help over 80 percent of those who suffer from depression. Check with your doctor if you need more information.

Dr. Neal Fellows of Grand Traverse/Leelanau County Community Mental Health has spoken extensively on this subject. If you have an opportunity to sit in on one of his presentations try to do it. Not only is he a very compassionate person, he is a good presented on this subject.

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom.

-Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

-Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

-Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

-Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed, including sex.

-Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

-Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

-Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

-Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

-Restlessness, irritability

-Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

-Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain