Recognizing a Symptom of Depression

It is vital to recognize a symptom of depression such as apathy
and other signs of depression which can lead from
acute to chronic depression.

Apathy is a symptom of depression characterized by the joyless mental state of routine and disinterest in the areas of your life which you once found exciting, or at least interesting.

In acute depression, you will find that you are able to attend your usual functions, such as going to your kids little league games or even getting up to go to work, but you can't seem to get excited about anything.

Sometimes you can't even track what is wrong.

You can't explain to your spouse, you just don't feel right. Your appetite may decrease (or increase,) you may begin to drink more often, or find that you can not sleep.

As acute depression is left undiagnosed, you will begin to sleep more often and in severe cases of a chronic symptom of depression, you may find it increasingly difficult to leave the house or even get out of bed.

The worst symptom of depression is that most people don't know that they suffer from it.

Unable to clearly define why they are blue, they assume that the sadness and apathy will eventually go away by itself.

It is especially hard for men to discuss depression as it is still considered socially unacceptable in some circles.

Unchecked, depression can lead to self destructive behavior such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or even suicide.

If you recognize any of these signs of depression in your life, it is important to talk to someone about them.

The first person is usually your spouse, but you should talk you your primary caregiver immediately. Together you can go over a symptom of depression checklist; the earlier it is caught, the better the treatments will work.

You may need only change your diet and exercise routine, or in cases of moderate to severe depression, you may need to take an anti-depressant medication for a few months.

Discuss your symptoms of depression with your doctor and your family. Depression is only a silent killer if you don't talk about it.

Back from A Symptom of Depression
to Depression Help Treatment

Dealing with Depression Advice

Take responsibility for communicating your needs

In the book "Seven steps to a depression free life," by Nancy Miller, one of the symptoms of depression is a feeling of self pity.

Some aspects of feeling sorry for ourselves can not be helped; it is part of depression.

But assuming that people can read your mind is a dangerous head space to be in.

Take responsibility for letting your supportive friends know how you are doing - really. They care about you but they can't help if they don't know what you need.

Likewise for talking to mental health professionals, be prepared to tell the truth. If you are meeting with your physician and have insomnia, for example, be sure to tell them if you don't know why you can't sleep.