Am I Depressed

Depression is probably the most common psychological disorder.  It can affect anyone, at any time and it can often be hard to diagnose it in its early stages.  Part of the problem is that depression is such a unique disorder that there is no set guide to who is depressed and who isn’t.  Depression can actually come in many forms and some people will have no problem accomplishing their normal responsibilities while others won’t be able to operate at all.  You may have noticed some changes in your life and you may have asked the question Am I depressed?  Understanding a little about some common symptoms can help you decide.

Changes in your normal routine

Most people will have some sort of normal routine.  They will get up at a certain time, eat at regular times and will often do things such as exercise or spend time with friends at regular times as well.  Someone who is suffering from depression, however, will often experience some major changes in their normal routines.  This can include changes in their sleep schedule, their diet and their interests.  If you’re asking Am I depressed? then you should look at your life and see if you notice any significant changes in your normal schedule.  This can often be a big clue that someone is suffering from depression.

Loss of interest

Part of what causes changes in people’s routine is that they have lost interest in things that they used to enjoy.  Someone who exercises regularly, for instance, may stop doing it all together.  Many people who are suffering from depression will lose interest in spending time with friends and their spouse will notice a decreased interest in intimacy.  If you asking Am I depressed? then this can be a great clue.

Depression is a very complex problem that can have as many causes and symptoms as there are people who suffer from it.  It isn’t rare for someone to ask Am I depressed? because it can often be a subtle problem.  Changes in normal routine and a decreased interest in favorite activities can often be a sign that someone is depressed.  If you think you might be depressed then you need to find help as quickly as possible.

Contrary to the notion promoted by popular media, depression is often a difficult problem to recognize.  There are so many different symptoms and so many different levels of severity that a person’s depression can easily go untreated for years.  Part of the problem is that many people won’t identify significant changes in their lives as symptoms of depression.  If you’re asking Am I depressed?however, then you may have recognized that there is something going on in your life.  One of the most obvious signs of depression is that a person may become increasingly withdrawn.

It’s important to realize that everyone needs some time to themselves every so often and that wanting some solitary time isn’t abnormal.  The difference is that a person who is suffering from depression will become isolated and withdrawn.  If you’re asking Am I depressed? then you should take a look at your life.  Try to figure out why you want to be alone.  Many people who are depressed will simply lose interest in spending time with friends or being intimate with their spouse.  Some people may feel guilty, worthless or overly self-conscious and will avoid spending time with other people.  The answer to the question of Am I depressed? can often be found by analyzing your recent interactions with people.

The difference between wanting some time to yourself and becoming withdrawn due to depression is subtle.  Most people who simply need some time alone will be satisfied when they get it.  People who are depressed, however, will not get any relief or satisfaction out of their time alone and will often feel worse.  If you asking Am I depressed? then you should think about how you feel after you spend time alone.  If you feel better, refreshed even, then you may not be experiencing a symptoms of depression.  If you feel sadder, more hopeless or extremely lonely then you may be experiencing depression symptoms.  If you asking Am I depressed? then you need to find an answer and seek help as soon as possible before the problem grows out of hand.