Is it Depression? 10 Signs to Look For
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| Tue, 12-05-2006 - 2:55pm |
Perhaps the most painful and dangerous symptom of this illness is an unshakable feeling of worthlessness and guilt. The person may feel guilty about a specific life experience or may feel general guilt not related to anything specific.
Small burdens or obstacles may appear impossible to manage. If pain and self-criticism become great enough, they can lead to feelings of hopelessness, self-destructive behavior, or thoughts of death and suicide. The vast majority of people who suffer severe depression do not attempt or commit suicide, but they are more likely to do so than people who are not depressed.
People with major depression often have distorted thinking. For example, they are likely to be pessimistic out of proportion with the reality of their situation. Sometimes, the thinking of a depressed person becomes psychotic; that is, the person has great difficulty recognizing reality. Sometimes, depressed people develop delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (false perceptions).
Symptoms of major depression include:
Distinctly depressed or irritable mood
Loss of interest or pleasure
Decreased or increased weight or appetite
Increased or decreased sleep
Appearing slowed or agitated
Fatigue and loss of energy
Feeling worthless or guilty
Poor concentration
Indecisiveness
Thoughts of death, suicide attempts or plans
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