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Depressed? Find Out Here.




Depressed?  There are nine different diagnostic categories and a large number of possible symptoms. I will list the basic symptoms here, along with a link to download a self-report test. If you find that you have tested positive on the self-report screen and would like my assistance in determining what type you suffer from and how to proceed click here.

NOTE: Individuals may have a general medical condition or an addiction problem. If you are abusing a drug, including prescription medication or alcohol, please attend to this issue first. You may be amazed how blue symptoms dissipate after taking care of a primary issue. If you have not had a thorough physical, including blood work, in over a year please schedule an appointment with your doctor to make sure there is nothing medical going on. There are several medical conditions that mimic the melancholic symptoms.

Symptoms List:
  • Depressed mood observed by self or others
  • Increased irritability
  • Lowered sex drive
  • Diminished interest in daily activities
  • Strong anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Lack of pleasure in daily activities
  • Loss of ability to laugh and experience joy in your daily life
  • Stronger or diminished appetite resulting in weight loss or gain
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia (oversleeping) on a regular basis
  • Feeling slowed down in your ability to think or physically move
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Excessive and inappropriate amounts of guilt
  • Diminished ability to focus or concentrate
  • Indecisiveness
  • Impulsiveness
  • Thoughts of death
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Plan for suicide
  • Suicide attempt

Areas Impacted May include:
  • Physical symptoms
  • Behavior problems
  • Distorted thinking
  • Mood and emotional difficulties
  • Troubled relationships
  • Specific situations that trigger episodes of depression
  • Spiritual or symbolic meanings attached to the illness that led to lifestyle patterns related to depression
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Family history of depression or mental illness

Rule of Thumb:

If you wonder if you are depressed you probably are. The question to answer is "How do I know?" A symptom will show itself in many areas within your life. The lists above can give you good information to map out what your depression looks like. Each individual experiences depression differently.

With appropriate treatment there is great hope for the depressed. Care enough for yourself and those relationships which are important to you to reach out for the help you deserve. I have written a powerful depression course which clients complete by email. Look over the course outline by following the link below.

Take The Zung Scale Depression Inventory


Back to Depression Article Directory


Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW
CounselingPros.com
622 W. Valley View Drive
Indianapolis, Indiana 46217
317-865-1674