Our feelings and emotions fluctuate depending on what is going on in our lives or the world around us. There is no way to escape that.
There are those grey zones where you feel sad but you are not quite sure if it’s a temporary funk or if you have clinical depression. The former typically dissipates on it’s own while the latter would likely need some form of medical intervention.
It could be hard to tell the difference when you are in the thick of things so I prepared this short guide to help you take the pulse of your feelings so to speak.
1. Sad Mood Lasting Over 2 Weeks
We all feel sad from time to time; a sick child, spouse, parent or sibling would do it. An overbearing boss or the death of a beloved celebrity can make you sad. Let’s just say there are six ways to sunday to get the blues.
If the sad mood lingers for over 2 weeks, you could be depressed.
2. Loss of Interest
If you’ve lost interest in things that used to give you pleasure; relationships, hobbies, work, grooming and self care for 2 weeks or more, you are certainly going through depression.
3. Suicidal Thoughts
If you are entertaining thoughts of harming yourself or taking your own life, you are certainly depressed. If this is how you feel, stop reading this now, google “Suicide Hotline your state” and call that number so you can get help NOW.
If you think you might be depressed the “Am I Depressed” quiz will answer that question for you quickly.
1. Let’s you know if you are depressed (or not).
2. Rate the severity of the depression.
3. Direct you on the next steps to take for quick recovery so you can feel like “you” again.
The “Am I Depressed” Quiz is available to logged in Healthgist members only.
Not yet a member? Create your account now. It’s FREE!
[show_to accesslevel=’Healthgist Free Account’][show_to accesslevel=’Healthgist Membership Plus’][vqzb quiz_id=2][/show_to]
Thank you for raising awareness. Depression is so insidious.
Sadly, I don’t think that most depressed people will pay attention to these signs until it’s clearly obvious. But these are good signs for loved ones to look for.
You are right Melissa. Self awareness is not easy particularly when depressed.
I do not meet any of those.. i think i am doing ok!
Thanks for sharing as depression is real and wont go away without help.
I dont need this one I know I am its in my family and had it since been 17 and now I am 31.x
Great information! I think most people don’t realize these symptoms mean they are depressed.
Good to always keep that in mind… and the reminder is important. It is also as important for family members to remain vigilant for family members not noticing depression.
A loving family is a big plus. People going through depression tend to isolate themselves.
I was when I was younger, thankfully that is a past season of my life. So sad.
Good for you! Enjoy the sunny outlook.
These are easy and helpful signals to remember. I’m glad you mentioned that the sadness is at least for 2 weeks and not the garden variety having a bad day sign
Everyone has the so-so days. It’s the “black clouds” that just hang on is what we are concerned about.
Depression is a condition that so many people have and they hate to admit it and refuse to get help. I’ve battled with depression for going on 20 years. It’s not something easy to deal with on a daily basis.
You are so right Anna. You cannot imagine the times I have had to “battle” patients into admitting to being depressed and the need for medical/mental intervention.
This is such a wonderful post and it’s so important to bring attention to depression and educating yourself on knowing when it’s just a bad day or when you are really in need of some extra help!
Glad you enjoyed it Nicole. Self-awareness about depression would go along away in getting people to seek help instead feeling hopeless.