A Picture of Depression Before the Diagnosis

• Tiredness, lack of energy
• Headaches or any other head pain
• Dizziness or faintness
• Feeling of weakness in parts of the body
• Muscle pains and aches
• Stomach pains
• Chest pains
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty or slowness in movement
• Loss of sleep

Take in mind, though, that the symptoms can vary between children, adolescents and adults. The symptoms listed above are common symptoms experienced by adults.

There are also behavioral changes that over time can be noticeable by the friends and family of the depressed person. Listed below are some of the behavioral changes.

• Persistent sad or irritable mood
• Tearful
• Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate
• Recurrent thoughts of death

Again these symptoms can vary from every age group but two of the most common symptoms present in all age groups are:

• Persistent sad or irritable mood
• Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities

Remember that at least five of these symptoms must be present for at least two weeks before a diagnosis of depression can be made.

The symptoms of depression can and will interfere with your daily activities. If you have experienced at least five of these symptoms for two weeks, then you need to make an appointment to see your doctor. If your depression is severe enough your doctor may want to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctDon'to specializes in mental health.

Don't be afraid to see a psychiatrist. I know I was when I was first told that I needed to see one. There is still a stigma about having a mental illness so you may be in denial for awhile and probably won't seek treatment because you may be afraid of what others may think. You do not need to be ashamed of having depression. Depression is more common than what you think. Approximately 9.9 million American adults or 5% of the adult population has experienced depression. You have to remember that it is an illness just like heart disease and diabetes.

There are tons of resources on the Internet that I have found to be useful when researching depression. Please take a look at the "Best of Web" to locate these Internet sites.

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