You may be depressed if you have experienced 5 or more of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. People who are depressed will have at least one of the first two symptoms:
- Feeling negative, hopeless, or "down in the dumps." Children may seem irritable instead of depressed.
- Noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Feeling restless and unable to sit still
- Feeling tired all the time
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Inability to concentrate, remember, or make decisions
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Most people experience some form of depression at some point in their lives. Depression can range from a minor problem to a major, life-threatening illness. Depression is almost always treatable. For many people, treatment can mean a whole new life.
If feelings of depression are causing your sleep problems, work with your health professional to develop a plan to decrease your depression and promote sleep.
Credits
| Author | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | January 12, 2007 |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
