Not all depressions are created equal. Some are normal human reactions to unfortunate circumstances, while others represent the dangerous illness of depression. Even though sufferers of both depressions feel sad and miserable, the ones reacting to stress and loss are likely to recover on their own, whereas those afflicted by the depressive illness need professional help to prevent further immense suffering.
So how can you tell whether your normal blues have crossed over into the realm of clinical depression?
| Normal reaction to loss or stress |
Depressive Illness
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Is there a clearly identifiable cause? |
Always caused by obvious major stressors, such as a loss of a job, divorce, illness.
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May or may not have been triggered by external stress.
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Suicidal thoughts and plans |
Fleeting suicidal fantasies may occur during normal grief, but they quickly fade away.
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Common and frequent, may progress to making plans for suicide.
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How long has the depression lasted?
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Some improvement is usually noticeable within days. Depression lessens with time and impacts daily life less and less.
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Symptom last longer than two weeks without much improvement, or repeatedly come back.
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Ability to feel pleasure or joy
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Remains largely intact, or returns within the first two weeks after the emotional trauma.
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Little or no enjoyment from formerly pleasurable activities.
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Loss of interest in your career, your hobbies, your family, or your friends
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Fleeting, if any.
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Common and persistent.
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Sleep and/or appetite |
May be affected, but normalize within 7-10 days.
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Increased, decreased or up and down for weeks.
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No early morning awakening.
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Early morning awakening is a typical symptom.
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Decreased energy and concentration |
May occur as a result of sleep deprivation. Otherwise, energy and concentration are rapidly restored.
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Persistent fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of depressive illness.
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Worse as the day goes on.
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Worse during the earlier part of the day.
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Feelings of worthlessness and/or hopelessness |
Possible but short-lived. Survivor's guilt is more likely to be a problem.
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Very frequent, along with feeling old, empty and carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders
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How you can help yourself: |
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- Seek professional help if sleep problems are persistent and interfere with your day to date functioning.
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- Seek treatment from a qualified MH professional as soon as possible.
- Learn more about the Depressive Disorder from reputable sources.
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- Reassess and reaffirm your spiritual needs.
- Ask your friends and family for support. Stay socially connected to other people.
- Build structure into each day and keep up your daily routine at home, work, school, etc.
- Incorporate some, however moderate, exercise in your routine.
- Go to bed and get up at the same time. Get 7 – 9 hours of sleep. Avoid staying in bed more than 10 hours a day.
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