Depression, the common cold of mental illness, affects most of us at one time or another. In my last blog, I listed four symptoms health professionals consider signs of depression. Here are the others:
5. Do I engage in meaningless acts? Pacing, wringing my hands, twirling my hair? Are my thoughts, feelings, or motions slowing? Have others noticed me doing these things almost daily over 2 weeks?
6. Am I tired, with little or no energy almost daily for 2 weeks? Don’t count fatigue from exercise or from another medical condition.
7. Do I feel worthless, useless, or guilty? A lot? Overwhelming, daily feelings of worthlessness not tied to anything specific can indicate depression. These feelings can be so strong as to become delusional. This is not simple self-blame, or guilt for being sick.
8. Do I have a harder time concentrating? If family or friends comment about this, you may be depressed.
9. Do I keep thinking about death? Suicide? Have I thought of a plan? Have I attempted suicide? Depressed people commonly think about dying (60%). But because about 15% take their own life, if we’re depressed, we should seek professional help.
If you have 5/6 symptoms, you may have mild major depression; if 7/8, moderate; but if 8/9 consider yourself as possibly severe.
I hope you’re not depressed, but if you are, help is available. Your doctor, pastor, or counselor want to know you struggle with these feelings. They are also able to help. Don’t delay making an appointment.
Resource: http://www.healthcommunities.com/healthy-living-guides/index.shtml/9-signs-you-might-be-depressed_13
Next blog we look at some Scriptures on depression.
