Could You Be Depressed? How to Tell

It's normal for most of us to feel depressed or sad once in awhile, especially in response to life's struggles or losses that we might experience.  However, when depressed or sad feelings last for long stretches of time and begin interfering with normal life, that's when it may be time to seek professional help.

When left untreated, symptoms of clinical depression can get worse and go on for years. These symptoms can cause much suffering and worse, lead to self-harm. Not recognizing depression symptoms is often the biggest reason why major depression goes untreated. Unfortunately, many people who experience symptoms never get treated.

Not getting treatment for depression can be extremely dangerous. Statistics show that at least 1 out of every 10 people who battle depression end up committing suicide.

So, what are the symptoms?  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression can include the following:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or guilt
• Difficulty remembering details
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Persistent aches or pains
• Fatigue
• Persistent sad or anxious feelings
• Irritability
• Appetite loss or overeating
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide

If you find yourself around someone who expresses suicidal thoughts, this should be taken very seriously. You should call the suicide hotline immediately at 1-800-SUICIDE (or the deaf hotline at 1-800-4889).

Just as with depression itself, warning signs with suicide also exist and can include the following:

• Frequently talking or thinking about death
• Changing a will or putting affairs in order
• Clinical depression that gets worse
• Talking about suicide
• Making comments about being helpless, worthless or hopeless
• Losing interest in things or activities that one used to care about
• Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here"

If you or someone you know is showing any of the above warning signs, either call the suicide hot line, see a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room for treatment.