Chronic depression affects about 50 percent of Americans who have major depression are not treated. Furthermore, only 21 percent of sufferers undergo depression treatment consistent with recommended guidelines.
You might be one person who is depressed and doesn’t even know it. Here are eight signs that you might suffer from chronic depression:
- You are in a sad or low mood almost all day. It also might be feelings of hopelessness that lasts for days or weeks at a time.
- You lost interest in what used to be your favorite activities. This also could be the first sign of suicide before thinking you might want to end your life.
- Your appetite changes cause weight gain or loss. This is particularly a red flag if your low moods result in a 5 percent or greater change in weight within 30 days.
- You have difficulty sleeping. You either have too much on your mind and cannot fall asleep, or you cannot stay sleeping for more than a few hours at a time.
- You sleep too much. If you are noticing you need more than eight hours a sleep a night, you probably need to seek professional treatment for depression.
- You constantly feel guilty or worthless. Everyone might occasionally feel down and not feel good about themselves. However, treatment of depression might be necessary if you never seem to feel good about yourself or are always pessimistic.
- You have trouble concentrating or making decisions. This could affect your work or wreak havoc on your personal relationships. Depression treatment centers could provide assessments for you if this is one of your main symptoms.
You have thoughts of ending your life. Most people who are depressed do not commit suicide, but about 90 percent of those who have suffered some form of depression. Please seek professional depression treatment immediately if you are suicidal. You can also call 9-1-1.
