Symptoms of Depression / Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Posted by in Depression Signs of depression can be obvious or subtle, but regardless, they often severely impact your quality of life.  For help in addressing your symptoms of depression, seek the assistance of a therapist or psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an evidence-based depression treatment. This will help reduce your symptoms and make you less prone to future relapse. I am available for consultation and treatment in the Palm Beach (Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton), Fort Lauderdale, and Miami communities.  I also welcome you to read my previous post here on how depression can be easily overlooked in yourself or others. Below is a list of common symptoms of depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD). These symptoms are grouped by domain. Symptoms of Depression Emotional Symptoms Feelings of sadness, emptiness, loneliness, or pointlessness. Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hostility, or aggression. Overwhelming feelings of grief, loss, hopelessness, or despair. Frequent explained or unexplained crying episodes. Loss of interest in enjoyable activities (e.g., hobbies, socializing). Recurrent thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide. Social/Occupational Symptoms Becoming overly-apologetic. Getting into frequent fights or disagreements with others. Having a low tolerance for frustration. Skipping events because you don’t want to “bring other people down”. Deteriorating or strained relationships. Disinterest in other people (e.g., ignoring spouse, kids). Social isolation or keeping to yourself because you don’t want to “bother” others (e.g., turning down invitations, making excuses). Impaired work/school performance (e.g., missing deadlines or not meeting responsibilities). Self-Neglect / Self-Care Symptoms Erratic or dysregulated schedule, such as not having a consistent sleep schedule (e.g., staying up all night, becoming nocturnal). Neglecting personal needs (e.g., skipping meals, exercise). Caring little or not at all about your physical appearance (e.g., not bathing, shaving, or styling hair). Physical Symptoms Difficulty sleeping (i.e., insomnia) or sleeping all the time (i.e., hypersomnia). Waking up early and not being able to go back to sleep. Poor concentration/memory or forgetfulness. Reduced sexual interest and desire. General slowness (e.g., walking slowly, taking a long time to dress or eat). Low energy and fatigue. Headaches, aches and pains, or stomach aches. Noticeable changes in your weight or appetite (e.g., unintentionally gaining or losing weight). Questions or comments about depression?  Additional symptoms you’ve experienced during a depressive episode?  Sound off below. …or continue the discussion on Facebook, Twitter, or...
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Depression / Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The (Sometimes) Hidden Ailment

Posted by in Depression For some individuals with major depressive disorder, signs of depression can be pretty obvious. Depressive symptoms can be utterly disabling and leave you with very little hope that things will ever get better. Depression can make you feel like giving up or actually cause you to give up. But in other cases, depression can be nearly invisible to both the sufferer and his/her family, friends, and colleagues. In fact, some people who are depressed don’t even realize it. They entertain this distorted fantasy that all depressed people look the same. They imagine that people with major depressive disorder cry all day, can’t hold down jobs, and aren’t doing anything particularly “meaningful” or “worthwhile.” However, depression affects CEOs, bank presidents, actors, politicians, doctors, and lawyers just as easily as anyone else.  It’s an equal opportunity ailment. Some depressed people walk around cloaked in such an aura of success that other people don’t even suspect that depression might be a possibility. In other cases, depression manifests as hostility and aggression, and in doing so, causes others to view the depressed person as cutthroat and cruel (rather than depressed). In both situations, it is easy for depression to go undetected and untreated. And kids and teens are vulnerable to depression too. Depression looks different in different people. That emptiness you feel… The way you dread going to bed knowing that the daily grind will begin anew tomorrow… The way you force yourself to “go through the motions” and yet everything feels flat and colorless… The way you used to enjoy going out with friends or playing golf but now avoid these activities because they’re “too much trouble”… These things can be the face of depression too. If you have noticed these symptoms in  yourself (or a loved one), you may be experiencing symptoms of depression.  Talk with your doctor or psychologist, who can assess you and offer treatment recommendations.  I am also available for consultation and depression treatment in the Palm Beach (Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton), Fort Lauderdale, and Miami communities. Also, feel free to read a related post on common symptoms of depression. Questions?  Comments?  Please share them below. …or continue the discussion on Facebook, Twitter, or...
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