We all suffer from a case of the blahs from time to time, experience intense sadness, and notice changes in our motivation and energy. But how can you tell if you’re just feeling depressed or suffering from clinical Depression?
Here are the official diagnostic criteria for Major Depression:
*Must have a total of 5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks.
*One of the symptoms must be depressed mood or loss of interest.
1. Depressed mood.
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities.
3. Signiifcant (>5% body weight) weight loss or gain, or increase or decrease in appetite.
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia.
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
6. Fatigue or loss of energy.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
8. Diminished concentration or indecisiveness.
9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
I’ve heard Depression described not as sadness, but as a lack of any emotion, an emptiness. One of the hardest things for those with Depression is the pressure from people who don’t know what true Depression feels like to “just get over it”, and this make someone feel even more alone. If you are trying to help someone who is depressed, please understand that this condition is far more complex than feeling sad. Like most other mental illnesses, Depression is not as easily detectable as a physical illness, so this is a friendly reminder that we are often unaware of others’ suffering.
Depression can feel hopeless, helpless, and imprisoning. If think you or someone you know is experiencing Depression, please reach out. There are so many professional therapists and counselors who can care and are trained to help. It’s important to know that there is help – both therapy and medication can alleviate symptoms and shine a much needed light in an otherwise dark world. I have witnessed very significant and long lasting improvement when people are committed to treatment.
Here are the official diagnostic criteria for Major Depression:
*Must have a total of 5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks.
*One of the symptoms must be depressed mood or loss of interest.
1. Depressed mood.
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities.
3. Signiifcant (>5% body weight) weight loss or gain, or increase or decrease in appetite.
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia.
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
6. Fatigue or loss of energy.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
8. Diminished concentration or indecisiveness.
9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
I’ve heard Depression described not as sadness, but as a lack of any emotion, an emptiness. One of the hardest things for those with Depression is the pressure from people who don’t know what true Depression feels like to “just get over it”, and this make someone feel even more alone. If you are trying to help someone who is depressed, please understand that this condition is far more complex than feeling sad. Like most other mental illnesses, Depression is not as easily detectable as a physical illness, so this is a friendly reminder that we are often unaware of others’ suffering.
Depression can feel hopeless, helpless, and imprisoning. If think you or someone you know is experiencing Depression, please reach out. There are so many professional therapists and counselors who can care and are trained to help. It’s important to know that there is help – both therapy and medication can alleviate symptoms and shine a much needed light in an otherwise dark world. I have witnessed very significant and long lasting improvement when people are committed to treatment.