Clinical depression is not the same things as feeling depressed. When you feel depressed, it is a temporary reaction to something specific – like the death of a loved one, or getting laid off from your job. Everyone feels depressed from time to time.
However, clinical depression takes those feelings and intensifies them – leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily life.
How can you tell if you’re suffering from clinical depression? You will experience some, or all, of these symptoms:
1. Being tired
This is one of the most common symptoms of depression. Clinical depression can make it feel like all of the energy has been sucked out of your body. No matter how much sleep you get, all you want to do is crawl into bed. And, when you do have to get out of bed and do something minor, it can seem like the most difficult thing in the world.
2. Trouble concentrating
With depression, you get so caught up in negative feelings that it becomes impossible to make decisions, remember little things, and complete daily tasks.
3. Feeling hopeless
Depression is overwhelming. Your feelings of sadness may be so strong that you feel like you will never be happy again – and that trying to live a positive life is just a waste of time.
4. Losing interest in things you used to love
If you used to love cooking out in the backyard, and now it doesn’t seem like fun at all, you could be depressed. People with depression tend to lose all desire to do anything – including sex.
5. Changes in your appetite
People suffering from depression usually fall into one of two extremes – they either can’t stop eating, or they’re never hungry. Some people fall victim to intense food cravings. If you’ve started to either rapidly gain weight or lose weight, it can be a tell-tale sign of depression.
6. Crying spells
Does it seem like you’re always crying for no reason? People with depression will often cry several times throughout the day – even if there’s no specific trigger for it.
7. Thoughts of suicide
Many depressed people think about suicide; others may simply have a preoccupation with thoughts of death. This is, by far, the most serious symptom of depression.
If you think you may be depressed, it’s time to go see your doctor. Symptoms of depression will not go away on their own. In fact, they usually get worse over time.