Depression is a common medical condition with very specific symptoms. The symptoms of depression, as with any other illness, may differ from person to person. Not everyone will have all the same symptoms.


Signs and Symptoms of DepressionThe term depression refers to:

a persistent sad mood and/or
loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
Changes in appetite or weight
Changes in sleep patterns
Restlessness or decreased activity that is noticeable to others
Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time
Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Sometimes, in addition to the symptoms of depression, many depressed people may also complain of physical problems. For example, someone might have chronic aches and pains that just can't be explained, such as persistent headaches, backaches, or stomachaches. Depressed people may also experience digestive problems such as dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and, less commonly, diarrhea. Being constantly worried, anxious, or irritable are also possible hidden signs of depression.


One important thing family and friends can do for those who are depressed is to help them get appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may mean getting them to see a doctor in the first place, or encouraging them to stay with treatment until they feel better.It is also important to offer emotional support in the following ways:
Acknowledge that the person is suffering
Express affection, offer kind words, give compliments
Show that you respect and value the person
Help the person keep active and busy
Don't expect the person to just "snap out of it"
Don't criticize, pick on, or blame the person for his/her behavior
Don't say or do anything that might worsen the person's poor self-image
Don't ignore any talk of suicide; notify a member of the person's family or his or her doctor immediately

i think its true..
i really got it..
there couldnt be no reason why i've continued feeling so blue after all these days..
and i need ppl around me to understand..
and somebody to listen to all my troubles and fear
they say its better to treat depression the earliest u can..
but i dun even noe where to seek help to?
by going to c a psychologist?
ppl who have shallow understandings of depression will think i'm mentally unstable..
i detest ppl who judge depression as emotionally-weak hearted..
when depression is a medical condition..
hais.. i cant let my parents noe either.. so how..?