The Symptoms of Depression and Mania

You should talk to a psychologist for an evaluation, if you experience
several of the following symptom clusters, and the symptoms persist for
more than two weeks, or if they interfere with your work or your family
life. However, not everyone with depression experiences all of these
symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms also varies from person to
person.

Depression

* Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
* Loss of interest or pleasure in your usual activities, including sex
* Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness,
pessimism
* Sleeping too much or too little, early morning awakening
* Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
* Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such
as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain

Mania

* Abnormally elevated mood
* Irritability
* Severe insomnia
* Grandiose notions
* Increased talking
* Racing thoughts
* Increased activity, including sexual activity
* Markedly increased energy
* Poor judgment that leads to risk-taking behavior
* Inappropriate social behavior

Some people mistakenly try to control their depressive symptoms through
alcohol or other mood-altering drugs. While such drugs may provide
temporary relief, they will eventually complicate the depressive
disorder and its treatment, and can lead to dependence and the life
adjustment problems that come with it. Many people with drug and
alcohol problems have an underlying depression. Additionally, the
chronic substance abuse leads to the development of additional
pessimistic perceptions of life, and additional stressors that can
create depression.


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With love from Sandra
Reprinted from http://lovestudio.blogspot.com

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