Signs & Symptoms of Depression & Mental Limitations

Depression is a common mental illness that can affect all aspects of someone's life if left untreated. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of depression so you can get the help you need to feel better.

Characteristics

• Depression is one of the most common types of mental illness.

  The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as "characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities.

Mental limitations

• Depression limits your ability to concentrate and remember.

  Depression affects your abilities to think.You can have "difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, or an inability to pay attention" and you are "easily distracted," according to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.

Considerations

• Symptoms of depression vary with each affected person.

  Symptoms of depression vary. You can experience some or all of the symptoms described above. Mental-health experts agree that if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should seek help.

Features

• A mental-health professional can determine the severity of depression

  Anyone with depression can be assessed by mental-health professionals. "Depression is generally ranked in terms of severity-- mild, moderate or severe. The degree of your depression, which your doctor can determine, influences how you are treated," according to the New York Times Health Guide.

Treatment

• Depression can be treated with medication, and sometimes counseling is recommended.

  Mental-health professionals assess the severity, variety and frequency of depression symptoms. Treatment can include medication administered by a doctor or psychiatrist. Counseling also might be recommended.

Warning

• Get help immediately for anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts.

  Depression affects people of all ages. Depression Facts Online reports that "in any given year, about 18 million Americans suffer from depression." People who are severely depressed sometimes want to harm themselves. If these symptoms occur, contact a mental-health professional immediately to get help.