Diagnosing Depression

The following are sings of depression. If you’re experiencing one or more of them, see your doctor or a mental health care provider.

Despair: persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, worthlessness; excessive crying; inappropriate guilt; recurring thoughts of suicide or death,

Apathy: loss of interest in activities, including sex.

Trouble concentrating: difficulty making decisions, restlessness.

Fatigue: loss of energy, constantly feeling tired.

Low self-esteem: poor self-image, misdirected guilt.

Sleep or eating problems: changes in weight or appetite, changes in sleep patterns or early-morning waking.

Poor hygiene: often manifested in sloppy appearance.

Persistent physical ailments: headaches or digestive problems, for example.