Because depression is a well-known concept in our modern society, many people know some symptoms of depression. Depression is seen as a disease more and more, and more and more people acknowledge it. Despite the fact that many people know about it, it is difficult to start your search for depression symptoms. When do you have a depression and if you do have a diagnosis of depression, what is it that you can do about it? This article describes the depression symptoms, describes a depression diagnosis at the hand of the generally used diagnosis tool DSM, and gives tips regarding what it is that you are able to do from now on. Also make sure to take the free depression test at the end of the article to check your depression symptoms.
Depression symptoms? What are the symptoms of depression?
Fist of all, depression is characterized by a general somber mood. Even when something funny happens, you can barely laugh at all. You want to stay in bed all day and do not feel like you want to do anything. You worry pretty much every waking second. Because your brain is preoccupied with depressed thoughts, you also find it difficult to fall asleep. Furthermore you will notice that you start crying more often and that you isolate yourself more, too. Not only at work do you prefer to be alone, but also among friends and family. When people propose something to do, you prefer to decline whatever it is that they mention. Eventual hobbies will also often suffer from the depression. Especially active hobbies will decline a lot when you are depressed.
Depression symptoms? When do I have a depression?
To consider a depression, the DSM-IV states that at least 5 or 6 depression symptoms must be present simultaneously for a period of at least 2 weeks in length. The depression symptoms may not be caused by the passing of a loved one, nor by an addiction. Furthermore, one needs to check for physical causes. These may namely not cause the depression symptoms.
Depression symptoms? How do I treat them?
Depression symptoms can be treated in different ways. For example, you can go to a psychiatrist, who is likely to prescribe you antidepressants. You can also go to a psychologist, who will offer you some type of therapeutic treatment. When it comes to therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective types of therapy for depression. Except for these options, there also is another one available. 15 Minutes 4 Me developed an online self-help program, inspired by cognitive behavioral therapy, which you can follow from home. The program can form treatment for minor depressions and can support therapy in case of more major depressions.
Depression symptoms? Take the depression test!
To know to what extent you suffer from depression symptoms, you can take the free depression test here at any time!
