Chronic Depression Symptoms

Chronic depression symptoms differ on many levels from major depression symptoms. Often, chronic depression is caused by an environmental stressor such as the death of a loved one. Major depressions are typically the result of a chemical imbalance. Since the symptoms of chronic depression are considered to be somewhat normal, they are often overlooked. However, it is important to recognize chronic depression symptoms since ignoring this problem can have dire consequences.

Emotional Malaise

• A persistent and nagging feeling of sadness and helplessness are among the most common chronic depression symptoms. In chronic depression these symptoms are often not as pronounced as in a major depression and therefore frequently ignored.

Sleeping Patterns

• Those experiencing chronic depression will frequently sleep too often, never get enough sleep or experience only broken sleep in which they will wake frequently.

Fatigue

• Fatigue during chronic depression is separate from feelings of being tired. Fatigue is more similarly related to feeling lazy.

Pain

• Recently it has been recognized that chronic pains can be chronic depression symptoms. Often these pains come in the form of tension headaches, shoulder tension or general achiness and soreness.

Suicidal Thoughts

• As with any depression, suicidal thoughts are a severe symptom of chronic depression. If someone you know is threatening suicide, it is important to contact the authorities to take preventative measures.