symptoms

[emailer]

what are the typical symptoms of depression (not manic depression or SAD)

[Constantine]

Symptoms can include tiredness, lethargy, a general melancholy not necessarily associated with any particular event or events, increasing or sudden self-exile from social/family groups, increased dependence on legal and illegal substances - caffeine, alcohol, "narcotics" -, insomnia, excessive sleeping, confusion, decreased motor abilities, physical self-abuse - cutting, burning etc.-, suicidal thoughts, increased/decreased self-hygine, and on and on. Some, all or indeed none of these symptoms may be present in a depressive, and this list is in no way complete. It is important to remember that a real depressive cannot just "pull their socks up", and may not be able to attribute their feelings to an event, as depression is caused by various chemical imballances in the brain. The sufferer may not even be aware that they have a problem at all (which I was not when I was diagnosed - I went in to find out why I was tired and feeling unmotivated all the time and I came out with a script for Prozac. I also then went on to exhibit most of the symptoms I've detailed above over the course of the next 2 years or so, and even now struggle with the "lower end" of the symptoms). My best wishes go to whomever you are asking on behalf of, and my best advice for the depressive or the supporter is to never give up, no matter how low, or unworthy the feelings.

[andy hughes]

Little to add to the previous answers, except to say that diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital, as is support. Depression is misunderstood because people think having depression is the same as being 'depressed' and the two are totally different. Being 'depressed' is part of the human condition, having 'depression' is a seriously debilitating life-changin illness - you might as well compare flu and cancer - and I'm not being dramatic here, the gulf really is that wide. Modern medicine understands the causes and effects much more now, and modern medication is getting more sophisticated as time goes on - so act now and give / get as much support as you can, and it will end, it just takes time.

[Janetex]

Some marvellous responses here. Professional help is a must. There is a difference between Clinical Depression and Reactive Depression. The online depression tests could be useful, initially, to get a general idea of all symptoms. There are many milder symptoms - not answering the phone/door, not paying bills, disturbed sleep, lack of concentration &c. My doctor, too, had to convince me that I had depression, as I was not at all "sad". If you get stuck, please come back and ask any of us questions, it seems there are plenty here willing to help you.

[coggles]

All very good answers. I would just like to add that whether it is you or someone else, you/they are not alone. There are lots of us who have been or are in the same boat.