From the book: How to Heal Depression
By: Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D. -and- Peter McWilliams
The Symptoms of Depression
After careful evaluation, the National Institutes of Health developed the following
checklist.
Symptoms of Depression Can Include
- Persistent sad or “empty” mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early-morning waking, or oversleeping)
- Eating disturbances (loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment
In the Workplace, Symptoms of Depression Often May Be Recognized by
- Decreased productivity
- Morale problems
- Lack of cooperation
- Safety problems, accidents
- Absenteeism
- Frequent complaints of being tired all the time
- Complaints of unexplained aches and pains
- Alcohol and drug abuse
Symptoms of Mania Can Include
- Excessively “high” mood
- Irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased energy and activity
- Increased talking, moving and sexual activity
- Racing Thoughts
- Disturbed ability to make decisions
- Grandiose notions
- Being easily distracted
