Episodes of depression can be devastating for anyone suffering from depression while trying to maintain a normal life. Episodes of depression occur when a cluster of depression symptoms take over a person’s life. These episodes can be immobilizing and difficult to overcome.
The episodes of depression occur mostly when a person suffers from major depressive disorder. This disorder is also known as major depression or clinical depression. The severity of these episodes of depression range depending on the person and how they are able to cope with these severe depression symptoms including overwhelming sadness, fatigue, anger, frustration, insomnia, body aches, withdrawal and thoughts of suicide. Getting treatment the earlier the better is the best way to deal with these episodes of depression.
There are some signs that are pretty universal when it comes to depression, although some are better than others at being able to cope with these issues. Women are more likely than men to encounter these regular episodes of depression. They are most common in the age range of 25 to 44 years old. Some people might be able to go years without having these episodes of depression, while others will have them more often. Being able to cope with these episodes can be difficult and often requires professional help before they get better. To become properly diagnosed with major depressive disorder, the symptoms must fall into a variety of categories with specific symptoms. One of the biggest signs that someone has major depressive disorder requires that the person must experience these symptoms over a two-week period. They must experience at least five of the symptoms listed below and be considered not of typical day-to-day behavior. Depressed mood of decreased interested must at least be one of the five symptoms:
Depressed Mood:
This criteria includes feeling depressed for the better part of just about every day. Many patients have reported feeling hopeless, sad, empty, etc. Even if the patient seems to be in denial about their symptoms, many of these patients still appear to be on the verge of tears, does not appear to be excited about activities they used to like. For example, they may not find joy in participating in family activities, spending time with their spouse or children. They also might report physical pains as a result of these depressed moods like headaches and body aches. This can also be a reverse situations because many patients that are dealing with a severe illness or injury might become depressed as a result of the injury instead of vice versa.
Loss of Interest:
As previously mentioned with mood, the person simply does not want to do things they used to enjoy. They might be found sleeping or laying there with little activity rather than watching a fun movie, hanging out with friends or enjoying family time.
Fatigue:
Feeling tired regardless of how much sleep you’ve gotten can be an indicator of major depressive disorder or an episode of depression.
Self-Worth and Self-Esteem
Those with low self-esteem or don’t see the value or worth of their life are a strong candidate for depression. They might even be caught self-harming through means of cutting, burning or an eating disorder.
Motor Activity
Inactivity or not wanting to even move from the bed of the couch due to a lack of energy is a strong indication of problems with depression.
Sleep:
Sleeping for 12 to 14 hours or not being able to sleep at all are very strong symptoms of depression.
Concentration:
Those going through symptoms of depression or an episode might have troubles concentrating at work, school, at home, even on menial tasks like doing the laundry or the dishes.
Thoughts of Suicide or Death:
If you or someone you know is dealing with major depressive disorder, you need to get help as soon as possible or recommend help to your loved one that might be suffering from this disorder. Professional help including therapy as well as the possibility of antidepressant medications to help overcome the symptoms that at times can seem entirely overwhelming. The best way to treat these episodes of depression is to get help early and continue to see help when you feel an episode coming on.
Sources: wikipedia.com, allaboutdepression.com