What are the symptoms of mild depression?

Symptoms of Depression

persistent sadness or unhappiness
lethargy
loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
irritability
sudden change in appetite (increase or decrease)
disruption of normal sleep pattern (increase or decrease)
physical discomfort
difficulty thinking or concentrating
thoughts of suicide or death

http://www.symptoms-of-depression.com/index.php3

Ya know, some of these symptoms fit me. And my mom actually made a comment about it the other day. I have trouble falling asleep at night and usually wake up 2-3 times a night, I fall back asleep easily, but it still isn't really normal. I tend to eat ANY time I'm not busy with an activity AWAY from food. I've had trouble with my stomach hurting again, which, if any of you remember, I posted about probably more than once a few months ago. That problem has come back. I'm also pretty irritable now, which is NOT me. I'm really a very, usually, happy/go-with-the-flow kind of person, and I've been pretty irritable and get mad at little things (ESPECIALLY with the boyfriend) for a while now, quite a few months actually. Since last year around September or October. Also, I really can't pay attention during classes at all. It's gotten hard for me, and to sit down and study is a big task now, not as bad as i make it sound, but still..Is it possible? The thing is, I don't want to do anything about it, besides maybe take a pill, but I know I'd have to go to counseling or something and I REALLY don't want to have to do that. Is there a way around it, if i AM possibly a bit depressed?

Depression Tips
Treatment of Depression: medical and non-medical

"Depression is a biochemical problem and should be treated with medication only," a local physician once told me rather dogmatically. I thought he was right in one sense but wrong in another.

He was right in that all our emotions, desires, thoughts and memories are biologically caused and that medications are effective in treating depression. He was wrong to preclude psychotherapy as an effective treatment for depression also.

Depression is a treatable condition. Eighty percent of patients who seek treatment find relief with either medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.

As a non-medical therapist, I approach the treatment of depression from several levels:

Emotional. On an emotional level, strange as this may sound, I'd encourage you to take time to feel your depression as fully as you can. Find out what is making you sad and what you may need to change in life. Have a good cry and later you may feel better.
Behavioral. My advice on the behavioral level is just the opposite of the advice I give on the emotional level. Instead of giving into your depression all the time, fight the symptoms of fatigue and social withdrawal. Force yourself to exercise, go for a walk, visit a friend or finish those chores. You can't be too depressed and busy at the same time. Also, having some fun things to do will buffer you against depression.
Attitudinal. Negative, sad, pessimistic thoughts contribute to depression so whatever you can do to challenge such thoughts and use more positive affirmations may relieve your depressed mood. Also, low self-esteem is correlated with depression so improving your self-image should help to lift your mood.
Interpersonal. There's plenty of research which shows that having a strong social support system is good for our mental health. If you're depressed, reach out to others for support. Have a number of people - friends, family, clergy, a therapist, a support group - with whom you can share your pain and know you will be heard.

Other research finds a strong correlation between depression and marital problems so working on you marriage may relieve your depression. A good marriage can be one of the best anti-depressants available.
Childhood. It may help to look more closely at your childhood experiences to determine how they may contribute to your present depression. What did you learn about yourself, life and relationships as a child which might have been sad? What losses may you have to grieve?
Spiritual. The psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, thought the problems of all his patients over thirty five were spiritual in nature. When things are going well for us, we may not have as strong a need for faith as when we are hurting. Your depression could force you to focus more on your spiritual life and develop a closer relationship with your God.

To seek professional treatment for your depression, call a qualified mental health professional. Asking your physician to recommend one is a good first step.

by J. Bailey Molineux

Are you exercising?

I exercise everyday. I play softball in college so it's very rigorous work-outs. I'm not really sure WHAT could trigger me being depressed.

Hi SS I did a topic oh Herport about this very thing. I know you aren't a teenager still, but a lot of this could apply to you and help you out.

Depression affects people of all ages, but the adolescent years carry special risks. This is a time of transition, and it’s often very stressful. Most young people handle the ups, downs and uncertainties fairly well.
However, some teens feel overwhelmed, and mistakenly think they have nowhere to turn, they may start ‘self-medicating’ their pain with alcohol or other drugs, or they may turn to acts of violence.
Some symptoms of depression:
Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
Social withdrawal or isolation
Sadness or hopelessness
Confusion or difficulty with decisions
Drop in school performance
Problems with eating or sleeping
Low self-esteem or guilt
Abuse of alcohol and other drugs
Problems with authority
Anxiety or phobias (exaggerated fears)
Perfectionism
Restlessness

It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life.

Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that things "never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends and society. Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer — both good and bad — on television, at school, in magazines and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs.

Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention — adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action.

Dealing With Adolescent Pressures
When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid serious depression. All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to adolescents.

Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’ self-esteem and provide an important social outlet.

Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.

Join organizations that offer programs for young people. Special programs geared to the needs of adolescents help develop additional interests.

Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be afraid to ask for help.
But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death or divorce), side-effects from some medications and negative thought patterns.

Recognizing Adolescent Depression
Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from clinical depression. This is a serious problem that calls for prompt, appropriate treatment. Depression can take several forms, including bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression), which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.

Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help.


I know this is really long, but I hope you will find the time to read it. Also, visit us at Herport. There's a lot of good information there on the subject.
Hope this helped and good luck to you. You'll be on my prayer list.