If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.
you can’t sleep enough or you sleep too much
you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
you feel worthless and hopeless
you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
you are constantly irritated or become enraged even at small things – and this is new for you
you have thoughts that life is not worth living, or have a plan for how you would end it (Seek help immediately if this is the case)
Signs and symptoms of depression

There’s a vast difference between “feeling depressed” and suffering from clinical depression. The despondency of clinical depression is unrelenting and overwhelming. Some people describe it as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. They can't escape their unhappiness and despair. However, some people with depression don't feel sad at all. Instead, they feel lifeless and empty. In this apathetic state, they are unable to experience pleasure. Even when participating in activities they used to enjoy, they feel as if they're just going through the motions. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person, and they may wax and wane in severity over time.

Answered by Mohd Saqib , an ibibo Master, at 1:42 AM on September 26, 2008

hi rinku!
There are lots of reasons for a person to get depressed but you can easily identify the symptoms of depression and help the person to overcome it. Few symptoms are easily identifiable .The symptoms like Over weight or loss of weight, insomnia or excessive sleep can be the symptoms of depression..Feeling sad or "down" for a few days is not the same as exhibiting symptoms of depression. A clinical case of depression symptoms as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) is a disorder with both physical and mental characteristics that negatively disrupts an individual's ability to function day to day in social and work environments. According to the DSM, real depression is a condition of this nature that lasts for more than two weeks.

It is estimated that at any one time, some 16% of the population of the United States is clinically depressed. The condition is actually the leading cause of disability in this nation. By 2020, statistics gathered by the World Health Organization suggest that depression will be the second major cause of disability in the world.People who are depressed are often overwhelmed by sadness or fear and at times feel incapable of experiencing emotion. Another major symptom is loss of interest or pleasure in an activity or pastime that was previously a source of considerable engagement.

Marked weight gain or loss is an indicator as is a change in sleep patterns to either extreme - insomnia or excessive sleep. Restlessness, slowed movements, and mental or physical fatigue may also indicate depression.

Other feelings that may be present include guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, fear, and decreased self esteem. People who are depressed have trouble concentrating and find themselves struggling to think clearly. They will also have memory issues. Additionally, individuals suffering from depression entertain thoughts of self-harm in the form of either self-mutilation (cutting for instance) or suicide.

If the patient in question is a child, the symptoms of depression may include recurrent nightmares, a loss of appetite, and problems in school with learning or discipline that were not previously present. Children will also exhibit marked changes in behavior. They may become withdrawn or exhibit uncharacteristic social aggression.

In adults it is not uncommon for people who are depressed to abuse alcohol, drugs (or both), and to engage in excessive behavior, perhaps developing an eating disorder or a sexual addiction. The Beck Depression Inventory, a depression symptoms test, uses twenty-one multiple choice questions to evaluate a potential case of depression and is considered to be an excellent diagnostic tool.
for more inf check http://www.iampanicked.com/anxiety- articles/symptoms-of-depression.htm

Answered by sanjay , an ibibo Guru, at 7:00 PM on September 22, 2008

well Rinku, Even if you feel you have symptoms of depressiondefine, don't self-diagnose. The best way is to see a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, as what Lovely suggested.

In Adults

Persistent sad or "empty" mood.
Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, pessimistic and/or guilty.
Substance abuse.
Fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities, including sex.
Disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns.
Irritability, increased crying, anxiety or panic attacks.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
Thoughts of suicide; suicide plans or attempts.
Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment.

In Infants

It’s important to understand what constitutes normal development in infants, children and adolescents vs. what may be signs of a depressive illness.

Unresponsive when talked to or touched, never smile or cry, or may cry often being difficult to soothe.
Failure to gain weight (not due to other medical illness).
Unmotivated in play.
Restless, oversensitive to noise or touch.
Problems with eating or sleeping.
Digestive disorders (constipation/diarrhea).

Fo r more: http://www.save.org/index.cfm? fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_ id=A806E240-95E6-44BB-C2D6C473 99E9EFDB

Answered by Satya ~ , an ibibo Master, at 9:04 AM on September 22, 2008

A person may report feeling "sad" or "empty" or may cry frequently. Children and adolescents may exhibit irritability.

A person may show markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, daily activities.

Significant changes in weight when not attempting to gain or lose (a gain or loss of 5% or more in a month) may be indicative of depression. In children, this may also present as a failure to make expected weight gains.

Insomnia or sleeping too much may be a symptom of depression.

The person may be observed to be either agitated and restless or physically slowed down in their movements.

A depressed person may feel that they have no value or they may feel inappropriately guilty about things they have no control over.

A depressed person may have recurring thoughts of death, especially thoughts of suicide, with or without a specific plan.

SOURCE SITE:http://depression.about.c om/od/diagnosis/tp/depsymptoms .htm

Answered by Sanya Tahir , an ibibo Master, at 9:02 PM on September 21, 2008

When the negative reactions to life's situations become repetitively intense and frequent we develop symptoms of depression. Life throws up innumerable situations, which we greet with both negative and positive emotions such as excitement, frustration, fear, happiness, anger, sadness, joy et al. Depression is prevalent among all age groups, in almost all walks of life.

Persons of any age—children or adults, may develop depression symptoms. Even minor stress events can stir up depression symptoms depending on the personality type. Symptoms such as intense sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, sleep disturbances or oversleeping, change in appetite and decreased energy level; feelings of helplessness and thoughts of suicide are sequels to stress induced depression.
visit www.lifepositive.co

Answered by Jyothi , an ibibo Master, at 8:23 PM on September 21, 2008

A person who has depression has no taste for anything, no hobbies, no preoccupations and no games.The mind works negatively and the person in questions doesnt feel at home anywhere. Infact he is so restless that he/she him/herself doennt know what the intend doping.They have no plan themselves have a terrible sense of guilt over something.
in their minds which they r unable to resolve their our plights. Thye get worse sometimes.
r
Felling of fatigue, loss of interest, sense of worthlessnes, a sense of emptineess, solitude, being lonely, seeking loneliness.all these are symptoms of it.

Answered by Vida Writer , an ibibo Master, at 4:56 PM on September 21, 2008

Well Rinku ,

There are lots of reasons for a person to get depressed but you can easily identify the symptoms of depression and help the person to overcome it. Few symptoms are easily identifiable .The symptoms like Over weight or loss of weight, insomnia or excessive sleep
can be the symptoms of depression. Read through.This article cover

What makes someone clinically depressed?
Manic depression symptoms and other types
Feeling sad or "down" for a few days is not the same as exhibiting symptoms of depression. A clinical case of depression symptoms as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) is a disorder with both physical and mental characteristics that negatively disrupts an individual's ability to function day to day in social and work environments. According to the DSM, real depression is a condition of this nature that lasts for more than two weeks.

It is estimated that at any one time, some 16% of the population of the United States is clinically depressed. The condition is actually the leading cause of disability in this nation. By 2020, statistics gathered by the World Health Organization suggest that depression will be the second major cause of disability in the world.
What Makes Someone Clinically Depressed?
The DSM lays out a stepped approach to diagnosing and evaluating clinical depression. First one of two clinical depression symptoms must be present, either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure. If either of those major depression symptoms is present, the patient must also exhibit four of the following symptoms.

People who are depressed are often overwhelmed by sadness or fear and at times feel incapable of experiencing emotion. Another major symptom is loss of interest or pleasure in an activity or pastime that was previously a source of considerable engagement.

Marked weight gain or loss is an indicator as is a change in sleep patterns to either extreme - insomnia or excessive sleep. Restlessness, slowed movements, and mental or physical fatigue may also indicate depression.

Other feelings that may be present include guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, fear, and decreased self esteem. People who are depressed have trouble concentrating and find themselves struggling to think clearly. They will also have memory issues. Additionally, individuals suffering from depression entertain thoughts of self-harm in the form of either self-mutilation (cutting for instance) or suicide.

If the patient in question is a child, the symptoms of depression may include recurrent nightmares, a loss of appetite, and problems in school with learning or discipline that were not previously present. Children will also exhibit marked changes in behavior. They may become withdrawn or exhibit uncharacteristic social aggression.

source :

http://www.iampanicked.co m/anxiety-articles/symptoms-of -depression.htm

Answered by Priyanka C , an ibibo Master, at 5:18 PM on September 20, 2008

Symptoms of depression can include -

• Feeling sad, anxious or ‘empty’ all of the time
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Loss of interest or enjoyment in doing day to day things
• Loss of interest in seeing friends and family
• Difficulty getting to sleep or waking in the early hours of the morning
• Not being able to get out of bed in the morning
• Feeling tired and loss of normal energy levels
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, remembering things
• Loss of interest in your appearance
• Feeling restless and irritable
• Wishing that death would come quickly or that life could be over now
• Having thoughts of killing yourself (suicide) or attempting suicide

If you have 5 or more of these symptoms every day for over 2 weeks and they are causing problems in your day to day living, then you may be clinically depressed. You may need to seek medical help.

Answered by Yogeshwar , an ibibo Specialist, at 5:08 PM on September 20, 2008

Depression is much more than just a low mood. We all feel sad from time to time, but for some people the feeling does not go away. People who feel low most of the time may have an illness called depression.



Often people with depression also experience constant worry (anxiety). This can cause physical symptoms like pain, a pounding heart or stomach cramps. In some people these physical symptoms are their main concern. Some people may feel so bad that they wish they were dead.

Answered by SESHAN , an ibibo Master, at 4:58 PM on September 20, 2008

well,There’s a vast difference between “feeling depressed” and suffering from clinical depression. The despondency of clinical depression is unrelenting and overwhelming. Some people describe it as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. They can't escape their unhappiness and despair. However, some people with depression don't feel sad at all. Instead, they feel lifeless and empty. In this apathetic state, they are unable to experience pleasure. Even when participating in activities they used to enjoy, they feel as if they're just going through the motions. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person, and they may wax and wane in severity over time.
source:www.helpguide.or g/mental/depression_signs_type s_diagnosis_treatment.htm

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 4:35 PM on September 20, 2008