11 Warning Signs of Depression

By Stephanie Trelogan, Caring.com senior editor

Is it really depression or just a case of the blues? It’s not always easy to tell the difference, especially when an older adult has what seems like good reason to be depressed, such as a chronic illness or loss of a loved one. But depression is very different from the blues in terms of duration and severity.

10 Biggest Depression Triggers — and How to Turn Them Off

Most cases of the blues resolve on their own and don’t prevent a person from finding some enjoyment in life. The key components of depression are:

Duration: The symptoms are present almost all the time and last for more than a few weeks.
Severity: Depression is usually more severe, causing symptoms that are difficult enough to deal with that they interfere with daily life.

Here are 11 different warning signs of depression. Keep in mind that depressed people don’t all experience the same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms may vary. But if someone exhibits several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, he may need help.

11 Warning Signs of Depression originally appeared on Caring.com.

1 of 2

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kevin C.

11:07AM PDT on May 17, 2012

Thank you

send a green star

Teresa W.

4:37AM PDT on May 13, 2012

Anyway, instead of calling it depression, I'd better say I'm slightly sad and it'll go away. ;-)

4:35AM PDT on May 13, 2012

I have some of these, but I don't think it's depression, rather overwork.

Hannah L.

1:44PM PDT on May 11, 2012

Thanks

Tiffany M.

10:37AM PDT on May 11, 2012

Great article. Catch the triggers early and the easier depression is to overcome.

http://www.understanding-depression-symptoms.com/how-to-overcome-depression.html

Elaine A.

10:09AM PDT on May 11, 2012

What ever the warning signs there is something to be said when depression is persistent and that is please seek medical attention as many underlying diseases could well be the root of that depression.

Angela N.

5:00PM PDT on May 8, 2012

Thanks!

Patricia H.

4:46AM PDT on Mar 24, 2012

interesting,thanks for sharing

jayasri a.

1:54PM PST on Feb 28, 2012

thanks

Kim O.

10:26PM PST on Dec 29, 2011

Im bipolar II, and actively on an antidepressant and lithium. These meds help me so much. I experience more depression than hypomania. My depression can be so severe that I actually feel strange sensations in my head. Sometimes it feels like insects crawling in my brain. It also feels like the nerves in my head are going numb. This is really scary to me, but the meds help somewhat. I just wondered if anyone on this site has experienced such weird sensations as these, or have heard or know of anyone else who has experienced these strange symptoms. Ive never encountered anyone with these type symptoms. Maybe, this depression type falls under psychotic. But Ive never hallucinated or heard voices,etc. But, these symptoms are very debilitating . I am currently on disability for my bipolar illness. It has been a struggle to get through these episodes. If anyone on this site has ever experienced these symptoms or knows of anyone who has, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for any responses...