DISTINGUSHING MINOR DEPRESSION FROM MAJOR DEPRESSION

Depression is more than just a bad mood. Some symptoms of minor depression include loss of energy, motivation, and appetite; despite these symptoms, however, those suffering from minor depression are still able to function normally and get necessary things done.

When depression pervades every aspect of life, when getting out of bed to go to work becomes a problem every day, the depression is no long minor. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a major depression exhibits at least five of the following nine symptoms, and these symptoms must have been present for at least two weeks:

1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
2. Diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities of the day, nearly every day
3. Significant weight gain or loss when not dieting, and decreased appetite nearly every day
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day
5. Abnormal restlessness or a drop in physical activity nearly every day
6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
8. Diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions nearly every day
9. Recurrent thoughts of death, or suicidal thoughts or attempts

Severe depression can be serious and life threatening and should be treated immediately. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call your local suicide prevention hotline or your doctor—get help now. Regardless of how bad you may be feeling, depression can be treated successfully.

Depression is a dark filter that clouds your ability to discern reality from fantasy. You begin to believe your fatalist future visions, such as “No one will ever love me again,” “I’ll never find another job,” or “My life will never be the same.”” Regardless of the origin of depression, one thing is certain: negative, self-defeating thoughts perpetuate it.

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