How does depression feel?If any of these examples feel familiar, or if you just don’t feel okay, it’s worth talking to someone. Depression is treatable with the right support. Show
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with depression the signs and symptoms listed on this page may be part of the condition.
Read transcript BehaviourDepression can look like:
I was not motivated to do anything… Being out of the house would make me feel confused and my heart would race. Read Sandi’s experience of post-natal depression FeelingsDepression can make you feel:
I had all the symptoms. I was getting angry and disassociated from my work. I didn’t want to do the work, I was desperate for a rest. Read Geoff’s experience of work stress and depression ThoughtsWhen you have depression you might think:
Suicidal thoughtsSometimes people who are experiencing depression may also experience suicidal thoughts. To learn more visit Suicidal warning signs. [I thought that] If I failed, it’s because I was useless and had nothing to offer. Read Jake’s story of anxiety, depression and therapy Physical symptomsPhysical symptoms of depression can include:
My depression made me want to sleep all the time. Read Emily’s story of depression, anxiety and ultimately, hope Do I have depression?It can be hard to know whether you’re feeling depressed or have depression. Our anonymous mental health check-in can help you understand whether your symptoms are likely to go away on their own, or whether it’s time to get more support to help you feel better. It’s an evidence-based tool which asks you 10 questions about the feelings you’ve been having over the past 4 weeks. It’s sometimes called the “K10” and is widely used by GPs and mental health professionals. Mental health check-in Finding mental health supportYour GP can be a good place to start the conversation about your mental health. We can also help you find other support that’s right for you. This could include talking to our counsellors or helping you find a mental health professional near you. Get mental health support
Read transcript Connect with our online peer support communityAnonymously read, share
and learn from people who are also living with anxiety. The Beyond Blue Forums is a welcoming peer support community. Posts are moderated by qualified counsellors. Visit the Beyond Blue Forum depression discussions
5 characteristics of depressionAlthough depression includes a wide range of symptoms, here are the 5 most common characteristics of the condition. Depressive symptoms vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe and acute or chronic. Despite a huge range of symptoms here are five of the most common characteristics that the majority of people with depression experience:
Additional symptoms of depression include:
What is depression?Feeling lonely, sad, and low at times is a normal human reaction to stressful life events. The majority of us experience these feelings at one point in our lives. However, when this feeling lasts for a longer period, increases in intensity, or affects our personal, professional, or social life, it is termed depression (a mood disorder). It is estimated that 1 in every 15 adults is affected by depression every year. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2016, approximately 16.2 million adults in the United States have depression. What causes depression?
Researchers speculate that depressed people have a smaller hippocampus (a part of the brain responsible for memory storage) than normal individuals. This smaller hippocampus has a low number of serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that allows communication across circuits connecting the brain that process emotions. Some experts believe that excess production of cortisol (stress hormone) could be the reason for the shrinking of the hippocampus, whereas some say that depressed people are born with a smaller hippocampus. Depression is a complex disease with no exact cause known. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, biological, and psychological factors. Other contributing factors linked to this condition include:
SLIDESHOWLearn to Spot Depression: Symptoms, Warning Signs, Medication See Slideshow7 types of depressionThe 7 types of depression include:
Health NewsHow is depression diagnosed?If you experience mood or cognitive changes that last for more than a few weeks, it is best to consult a mental health specialist to help sort out possible causes. There is no single test that can diagnose depression; a thorough physical examination along with the medical and family history is the key to diagnosing and treating the condition. How is depression treated?Depression is a risk factor for heart disease and dementia. Unfortunately, about half the people never get it diagnosed or treated. Treatment of depression may consist of the following:
QUESTIONDepression is a(n) __________ . See AnswerMedically Reviewed on 1/21/2022 References Image Source: iStock Images Six common depression types Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-common-depression-types Debra Bruce Causes of Depression WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/causes-depression https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression Depression NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression What is Depression American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression What are the 5 characteristics of depression?Five Warning Signs of Depression Everyone Should Know About. Unexplained Pain. Depression does not only affect a person's mental health. ... . Inability to Concentrate. Almost everyone experiences some brain fog and forgetfulness. ... . Too Much or Too Little Sleep. ... . Changes in Appetite. ... . Moodiness and Irritability.. What are the 9 characteristics of depression?Signs of Depression. Hopeless outlook.. Lost interest.. Fatigue.. Anxiety.. Irritability in men.. Appetite changes.. Emotions.. Suicidal thoughts.. What are 4 clinical characteristics of clinical depression?Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame. Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things. Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide.
What is an example of depression?Feeling sad or having a depressed mood. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
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