Depression – Signs and Symptoms

What are common symptoms of depression?

• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation (restlessness or being slowed down)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Significant weight loss or gain

Depression – Treatment in Chicago

Fighting depression is a matter of taking real action, but when feeling depressed, forcing yourself to engage in even enjoyable activities can feel like dragging yourself through quicksand. Depression is one of the most devious disorders since the symptoms it induces often create negative reinforcement cycles and maladaptive self fulfilling prophecies, which make it all the more difficult to take the actions that fight it. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression counseling and therapy will significantly increase the chances of successful recovery.

Depression – You’re not Alone

As poet Sylvia Plath described it: “I could not sleep, although tired. And lay feeling my nerves shaved to pain and the groaning inner voice: oh, you can’t teach, can’t do anything. Can’t write, can’t think…I have a good self, that loves skies, hills, ideas, tasty meals, bright colors. My demon would murder this self by demanding that it be a paragon, and saying it should run away if it is anything less.”

The actor Rod Steiger said “When you’re depressed, it’s as though this committee has taken over your mind, leaving you one depressing thought after the other.” He struggled with depression for eight years after undergoing heart surgery. “Part of the depression is as though you’re punishing yourself for something…Your sense of self, your appreciation for yourself, your respect for yourself, disappears completely. It certainly isn’t that your mind goes blank. On the contrary, when you’re depressed, your mind beats you to death with thoughts. It never stops.”