What Are The

Initial Signs Of

Depression?

Considering that there are three common types of depression which include:

* major depression (clinical depression)

* manic depression (bipolar disorder)

* dysthymia (dysthymic disorder)

We shall address each one as best possible and go over the early signs and symptoms of each.

1. Major Depression

Also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of mental

disorder that is usually diagnosed when a patient displays any of the symptoms below for a

period averaging about a few to 6 months.

It's often times characterized by the following signs:

* persistent feelings of sadness

* feeling hopeless or helpless

* loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed

* difficulty with relationships

* sleep disturbances (i.e., insomnia, hypersomnia)

* changes in appetite or weight

* decreased energy

* difficulty concentrating

* suicidal thoughts or attempts

* irritability, hostility, aggression

2. Manic Depression

This is a major mental health problem. People diagnosed with manic depression tend to

experience mood swings from periods of severe depression to periods of elation known as mania.

In its early and latter stages, it is often characterized by the following signs:

-An overly inflated self-esteem

-A decreased need for rest and sleep

-Increased distractibility and irritability

-Increased talkativeness (may include increase in rate of speech, changes topics quickly, cannot

be interrupted)

-Uncharacteristically poor judgment

3. Dysthymic Disorder

This disorder is characterized by chronic depression, but with less severity than a major

depression. The essential symptom for Dysthymic disorder is an almost daily depressed mood for

at least two years, but without the necessary criteria for a major depression.

Being as though this is quite similar to clinical depression, dysthymia could be characterized by

the following signs:

-Having a poor appetite or overeating

-Insomnia or hypersomnia

-Low energy or fatigue

-Low self-esteem

-Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions

-Feelings of hopelessness

Now, that we’ve gone over the early signs of each of these common depressive disorders, suffice

it to say that if they are applicable to yourself or someone you know, it will be best to try to deal

with the situation in these early stages.

This is a classic example of how “a stitch in time could save nine”.

It is my hope that in informing you of these characteristics to look out for, it will be an easier

task for you to overcome the situation.

In Friendship.

# # #

Foras Aje is an independent researcher and author of “Fitness: Inside and Out”, a book on

improving physical and mental health naturally with a Bible-Based Diet and Exercise. For

more information on this book or other natural health tips, visit his site at

http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com/