How Do You Know If You Are Depressed?

Depression is a serious medical condition that can rapidly affect every area in your life--your work, your relationships, your studies, your hobbies, your faith, and more. At its worst, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions, sometimes resulting in follow-through that leaves friends and family members devastated.

But on the other hand, almost all of us hit emotional slumps from time to time, especially when experiencing trials in life, such as grief over the loss of a loved one or unemployment. So how do you know when your feelings are truly unhealthy? Well, it takes a doctor or mental health professional to properly diagnose you, but this information can at least point you in the right direction.

Traditionally, MDD--Major Depressive Disorder--is diagnosed when a patient (and/or family members and other regular associates) reports consistent low mood over a period of two weeks or more. Other symptoms frequently include loss of interest, hopelessness, inability to take pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities, diminished or absent libido, and more.

Depression can, of course, be circumstantial, not exclusively emotional. Many people are overtaken by such symptoms after breaking up with a significant other, losing a job, or finding themselves in an undesirable living situation, just to name a few issues. Chronically or terminally ill individuals also frequently sink into depression.

I tell you this to remind you that you are not weak. It is not your fault that you cannot currently overcome your feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness. But the major point in all this is to know that you should not try to overcome it all on your own. If the depression you feel is related to a specific situation, then you will most likely benefit from seeing a therapist.

Counseling can help you sort out the conflicting emotions you are dealing with and even help you gain access to other resources and advice on how to best approach the circumstance you are in.

While there is no guarantee that individual therapy will solve your problems, it can at least give you some insight on how to emotionally cope. This is also true of those whose depression has no apparent explanation. Therapists are highly trained to treat all kinds of emotional difficulties, so don't shy away from treatment centers that can help.

Medication is still a relatively controversial approach, but don't rule out completely. You need to have a thorough assessment with your doctor or psychiatrist before making a decision. NEVER medicate without a professional's help, and certainly don't self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, as this has led to many an addiction, which ultimately worsens the symptoms.

ALWAYS get immediate help when you develop suicidal thoughts and/or actions. Depression is treatable, and you don't have to resign yourself to misery.