How to Tell If You're Really Depressed

Everyone feels sad from time to time. This sadness can be random or linked to a tragic event such as the breakup of a relationship, chronic illness, terminal illness or the death of a loved one. While this sadness can be overwhelming and consuming, it is important to make the distinction between feeling blue and being depressed. Some people may also live with depression and not know enough about it to recognize the signs and symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Listen to your inner dialogue. Is it constantly negative? Are you putting yourself down and feeling hopeless about life in general? Do you feel needlessly guilty or do you blame yourself for things you have no control over? This may be one of your first warning signs of depression.

• 2

  Evaluate your energy level. If you're finding it is impossible to wake up in the morning or complete tasks you normally completed with ease, you may be suffering from depression. In addition, insomnia can also be a sign of depression.

• 3

  Monitor your appetite. Eating excessively or feeling full all of the time are both symptoms of depression.

• 4

  Think about your favorite activities. If you find yourself losing interest in things you once loved, this can be a warning sign of depression.

• 5

  Be aware of aches and pains in your body. Headaches and unspecified aches in the body can often be caused by depression.

• 6

  Seek immediate help if you begin to have thoughts about self-harm, such as cutting or burning yourself or killing yourself. If you feel you might do something drastic, go to your nearest Emergency Room. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.