In case you have experienced the symptoms of depression within the same two week period, this could be indicative of an episode of depression. These symptoms should not be accounted for by any another illness, drugs of abuse or due to prescription medications.
The most common symptoms of depression include depressed mood. A person may feel sad or may cry frequently. Children as well as adolescents may exhibit irritability.
The other symptoms of depression include decreased interest or pleasure. A person may show markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all the daily activities.
Significant changes in weight may be indicative of depression. In children, this may also be present as a failure to make the expected weight gains.
Insomnia or sleeping too much may be other symptoms of depression. The person may be either agitated as well as restless or physically slowed down in his movements. Deep fatigue or a loss of energy is another symptom of depression. A depressed person may feel that they have no value. They may also feel inappropriately guilty about things that they have no control over.
A depressed person may have a diminished ability to think, concentrate as well as make decisions. The other symptoms of depression include having recurring thoughts of death, especially thoughts of suicide, which may be with or without a specific plan.
In case you or someone you know has depression, you need to recognize the symptoms of depression. Then you need to contact a doctor in case they continue or grow more serious.
In case you are having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, keep a record and keep a watch for the other symptoms of depression. Also, get alert in case someone starts sleeping excessively. Seriously depressed persons can sleep even for as much as 20 hours in a day.