Learn the signs and symptoms of depressive orders

It is important to know some of the signs and symptons of depression.

In some cases, a person can experience a few or many of the indications that come along with a depressive disorder.

Firstly, one must know that a depressive order is a ‘whole body’ illness – it affects the way you eat, sleep, feel and think.

There are some indications provided by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).

Symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sad or “empty” mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness and self-reproach

• Insomnia or hypersomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping

• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

• Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling run down

• Increased use of alcohol and drugs, may be associated but not a criteria for diagnosis

• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

• Restlessness, irritability, hostility

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

• Deterioration of social relationships

Details: SADAG, www.sadag.org or 080 070 8090; 080 056 7567, sms 31393; SA Federation for Mental Health , www.safmh.org or info@safmh.org or 011 781 1852.