When Should I Seek Help
If your symptoms of depression are causing problems with relationships, work, or your family — and there isn’t a clear solution — you should see a professional.
Talking with a mental health counselor or doctor can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if your symptoms stay for any length of time.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, get help right away.
It’s important to understand that feeling depressed doesn’t mean you have depression. That condition involves not only changes in mood, but also changes in sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, and motivation.
If you have physical symptoms like these and find yourself feeling depressed much of the time for days or weeks, see your doctor.
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Child Depression Ages 6
Children, like adults also suffer from depression, although their symptoms may not be the same. Additionally, children respond well to treatment. Depression is defined as an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescents ability to function.
About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time. Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attention problems, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Depression also tends to run in families.
The behavior of depressed children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of signs of depression in their youngsters.
Signs of depression in children. If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents should seek help:
- Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying.
- Persistent boredom low energy.
- Low self esteem and guilt.
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure.
- Increased irritability, anger, or hostility.
- Difficulty with relationships.
- Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches.
- Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school.
- Poor concentration.
- A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns.
- Talk of or efforts to run away from home.
- Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior.
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Severities Of Clinical Depression
Clinical depression can often come on gradually. So it can be difficult to notice when something is wrong. You might try to cope with the symptoms without realising you’re unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.
The severity of clinical depression depends on how much impact it has on your daily life:
- mild clinical depression has some impact
- moderate clinical depression has a significant impact
- severe clinical depression almost impossible to get through daily life
You can have clinical depression and other mental health disorders. For example, anxiety, psychosis or other difficulties.
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What You Can Do Now
To treat depression effectively, its important that you reach out to your doctor for a diagnosis. They will work with you to determine the right treatment measures. Treatment may include SSRIs, herbal remedies, CBT, or lifestyle adjustments.
Its especially important to contact your doctor in cases of mild to moderate depression, as the symptoms may not be noticeable to others. Though it may take time for treatment to make a noticeable difference, reaching out to your doctor is the first step toward feeling better.
If youre dealing with thoughts of suicide or acts of self-harm, call your local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away. You can try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Loss Of Interest In Activities They Used To Enjoy
Depression isn’t so much a feeling of being perpetually sad. It’s more like feeling constantly empty. It makes people feel helpless and hopeless, and they stop getting enjoyment from things they used to like.
If your child quit the sports team suddenly or doesn’t enjoy creating artwork like they used to, this is one of the biggest red flags for depression.
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A Lack Of Standardization
Quantitative scales help researchers measure and organize symptoms, as well as designate a cutoff point for whats considered severe depression for the purpose of a specific study. However, methodologies vary between studies and researchers, meaning there isnt a single definition of severe depression across the board.
A lack of standardization means that if a persons depression symptoms are assessed with different scales by different providers, the diagnosis may not be consistent. Some providers dont use them in clinical practice unless a patient is taking medications, whereas others use them regularly.
Judgment Of Self Or Others
I had a patient put it succinctly once: Sometimes I feel like I hate everyone, but I hate myself the most.
Since depression is often the result of turning ones anger against oneself, an important sign of depression is when your partner is overly hard on themselves for mistakes, frequently says negative things about themselves, or has difficulty realizing and reallyfeeling the positive aspects of who they are. This can result in your depressed partner being very judgmental of themselves. Since we often treat those around us as we treat ourselves, they also may become judgmental of those who are closest to them, even you. They can hold you to unrealistically high standards, or be very dismissive. Again, instead of criticizing back, the most useful tack is try to be sympathetic, for example by saying something about how painful it must be to feel like everything sucks.
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The Symptoms Of Depression
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Speak to your doctor or a trusted adult about how youre feeling.
Molly
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Don’t be afraid to cry, especially if you’re male – it helps to release emotions and you’ll feel better afterwards.
Ed
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Just know that sometimes we want a bad period of life to end rather than life itself.
C.K.
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Try to keep going outside, even if its just a short walk, it can really help your mood to lift.
Molly
Signs Your Cat Is Depressed & How To Help May 31 2020 4 Comments
It turns out that humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from depression. Cats can, too. Cats are highly perceptive and intelligent and are very reactive to their environment and even social situations. Depression in cats can be triggered by a variety of things, from the lack of a stimulating environment to a beloved family member moving or passing away. Here are five signs that your cat might be suffering from the kitty cat blues.
Symptoms of depression in cats can also be signs of an underlying illness and a visit to your vet may be in order to get a clear bill of health first!
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Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
Being sad is a normal reaction to difficult times in life. But usually, the sadness goes away with a little time. Depression is differentit is a mood disorder that may cause severe symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is more common among women than men, likely due to certain biological, hormonal, and social factors that are unique to women.
This brochure contains an overview of five things that everyone should know about depression in women.
Types Of Depressive Disorder
There are several types of depression, and while they are all characterised by intense low mood, there are also important differences.
Major depression is also known as major depressive disorder. The most recognised symptom is low mood and loss of interest in activities that were once considered pleasurable. These symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, but will probably interfere with daily life and relationships. The low mood will persist for at least 2 weeks, and will be experienced on most days. Sub-types of major depression include:
- melancholic depression, a severe form of depression that includes physical as well as emotional symptoms
- psychotic depression, which includes hallucinations delusions or paranoia .
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood changes that disrupt daily life. Symptoms of manic episodes include showing extremely high energy in speech and activity, agitation and a reduced need for sleep.
Symptoms of depressive episodes are similar to those of major depression. People who have bipolar disorder can also experience episodes of psychosis .
Cyclothymic disorder is sometimes described as a milder form of bipolar disorder. The person experiences changing moods for at least 2 years. They have periods of hypomania and episodes of depressive symptoms. They may also have very short periods of even moods, with fewer than 2 months in between. Symptoms tend to be less severe and are shorter lasting than in bipolar disorder or major depression.
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What Can I Do If I Have Depression
If you have symptoms of depression, see your healthcare provider. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, refer you to a specialist or suggest treatment options.
If you or someone you know is thinking of hurting themselves or taking their own life:
- Go to the emergency department of your hospital.
- Contact a healthcare provider.
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member or spiritual leader.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Depression is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Anyone can experience depression even if there doesnt seem to be a reason for it. Causes of depression include difficulties in life, brain chemistry abnormalities, some medications and physical conditions. The good news is that depression is treatable. If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/31/2020.
References
Depression Or Mental Illness Runs In Your Family
While outside factors can sometimes play a large role, research suggests that depression and other mood disorders are often inherited.
If depression or mental illness runs in your family then you already have a headstart. Talking with your teen goes a long way and knowing that somebody close to them suffers from depression can help make them feel less isolated.
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Psychological Depression Symptoms Include:
- doing poorly at work
- difficulties with your family or home life
It’s not always possible to tell that you’re having symptoms of depression right away it can start and progress gradually. A lot of people don’t realise they’re ill and try to carry on and cope with their symptoms. Sometimes it takes a friend or family member to notice that there’s a problem.
Hidden Signs That Tell You Are Suffering From Depression
Life is all about ups and down. Some days you might feel low and at times you have your high. However, for those who are suffering from depression, its more than just feelings of temporary sadness.
For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it’s obvious something isn’t right. Other people feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why. Listed here are few signs that could be possible indication that you or someone you know is suffering from depression. If you identify with several of the following signs, consider visiting a psychologist soon.
1) Feelings of sadness, emptiness or unhappiness: Although feelings of hopelessness are common among individuals with clinical depression, they can be some of the most difficult feelings to experience. This can include feelings of dissatisfaction, failure, and a belief that nothing will get better. People suffering from depression often feel unhappy without any rhyme or reason.
2) Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters: Many people dont realise that low levels of chronic irritability and anger can mask an underlying depression. Constant irritability is also a symptom of depression seen in teenagers and children, one that could be written off as normal growing pains or teenage behaviour.
5) Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort:
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What If My Symptoms Dont Improve
If youre not responding to treatment, you may live with treatment resistant depression. This is when your symptoms have not improved after at least 2 standard treatments. This can also be known as treatment-refractory depression.
There is currently no official criteria used to diagnose treatment resistant depression.
What treatment is available for treatment-resistant depression?There are treatment options for treatment resistant depression. Even if antidepressants have not worked already for you, your doctor may suggest a different antidepressant from a different class.
The new antidepressant you are offered will depend on the first antidepressant you were given.
Sometimes your doctor can prescribe a second type of medication to go with your antidepressant. This can sometimes help the antidepressant work better than it does by itself.
Where antidepressants have not worked, your doctor may suggest talking therapies, ECT or brain stimulation treatments. See the previous section for more information on these.
What is an implanted vagus nerve stimulator, and how is it used in treatment resistant depression?If you live with treatment resistant depression, and youve not responded to other treatments, you may be able ask for an implanted vagus nerve stimulator.
Please speak to your doctor if youre interested in this treatment and for more information. You may be able to get this treatment funded through an Individual Funding Request.
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Major Or Clinical Depression
Major depression is much less common than mild or moderate and is characterized by severe, relentless symptoms.
- Left untreated, major depressive disorder typically lasts for about six months.
- Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but major depression can be a recurring disorder.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder Is A Type Of Depression Related To Changes In Seasons Reading Eagle
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression related to changes in seasons.
Diagnosis and also treatment of psychological health and wellness illnesses are done by doctor, such as mental health and wellness experts, so it is necessary to look for aid if you are concerned that you are experiencing depression. Diagnosis can be identified by a key doctor or a psychological health and wellness professional such as a psychoanalyst or psycho therapist. Treatment for every sort of depression differs, but normally therapy and/or medicines how to tell your friends you suffer from depression are suggested. Nonmedical treatments can likewise be valuable, such as getting adequate sleep, exercising, and also connecting with others. If a person notifications signs and symptoms of depression in themselves or a liked one and it is influencing their life and working, it is essential to seek expert assistance from a primary doctor or a psychological health and wellness specialist.
Hidden Signs You Are Suffering From Depression
Mental illness has a long history of stigma but we seem to be making some progress in this area. More and more people are reporting lately that they are dealing with depression or anxiety. The most common description of this disease would be living in a black hole.
Depression can take many forms as we are very complex and diverse as individuals. However, there are some common symptoms that people experience. A first important element of depression is that its not mere sadness. We all have our emotional ups and downs and this is natural.
But if you feel youve had most of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, maybe it would be best to reach out for help.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Depression And How Is It Diagnosed
The NHS recommends that you should see your GP if you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks.
Doctors make decisions about diagnosis based on manuals. The manual used by NHS doctors is the International Classification of Diseases .
When you see a doctor they will look for the symptoms that are set out in the ICD-10 guidance. You do not have to have all of these to be diagnosed with depression. You might have just experience some of them.
Some symptoms of depression are:
- low mood, feeling sad, irritable or angry,
- having less energy to do certain things,
- losing interest or enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy,
- reduced concentration,
You may also find that with low mood you:
- feel less pleasure from things,
- feel more agitated,
- find your thoughts and movements slow down, and
- have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Your doctor should also ask about any possible causes of depression. For example, they may want to find out if youve experienced anything traumatic recently which could be making you feel this way.
There are no physical tests for depression. But the doctors may do some tests to check if you have any physical problems. For example, an underactive thyroid can cause depression.
On the NHS website, they have a self-assessment test which can help you to assess whether you are living with depression: www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview/
More Than Depressing: Teen Depression
Let them know you want to spend time with them and that life during the pandemic, while minimal, can also be about household connectedness and enjoyable. For numerous kids, practically every component of their lives has been restricted, from seeing good friends and playing sporting activities to visit school or taking a trip to the park. So many special events have been canceled, also, including proms, sports tournaments, graduations, birthday celebration parties, household get-togethers, getaways, vacation events, and even simply easy getaways with grandparents. The AAP likewise keeps in mind that around 75% of teenagers can help teenagers suffering depression with depression are misdiagnosed, which emphasizes the urgency for parents to comprehend and also watch for the indicators of this problem. Below, we analyze the signs of childhood depression, how the condition may provide in a different way during the pandemic, and also exactly how to help your child deal and/or protect against depression from taking hold. A number of research studies done during the very first year of the pandemic have actually verified that an unfortunate, natural result of living in quarantine for lots of kids is really feeling afraid, lonesome, anxious, clingy, depressed, and also self-destructive.
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