How Can I Tell If I'm Depressed?
Everyone feels sad sometimes—a brief blue mood, disappointments,
grief after the death of a friend—but depression is different.
Depression influences your attitude toward yourself, others, and life
in general. It takes away feelings of well-being and may change the
way you think and behave. Anyone, regardless of age, race, gender,
or social status, can suffer from depression.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 19 million
Americans suffer from depression.1 Like other treatable diseases,
depression and GAD require diagnosis and treatment by a qualified
healthcare professional. There are several signs and symptoms that
help your doctor determine if you have depression.
These include:
- Depressed or irritable mood most of the day—nearly every
day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies,
work, or being with friends) most of the day—nearly every
day
- A sudden change in weight or appetite
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Agitation or restlessness (observed by others)
- Constant fatigue or loss of energy
- Frequent feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Important: If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide,
seek professional help immediately through your doctor, or call 411
to get the phone number for the nearest local suicide hotline. You
don't need to have all these signs and symptoms to have depression.
Symptoms will also vary from person to person and may even change
in the same person from time to time.
Doctors choose Lexapro as their preferred treatment for patients with
depression and anxiety.
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Reference: 1. Kessler RC, Chui W, Demler O, Walters E. Prevalence, Severity, and Comorbidity of 12-Month of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005; 62:617-627.