Depression Signs and Symptoms

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Depression is more than just the occasional blues, its a mood disorder. Dr. Edward Hill discusses some of the outward signs of depression in todays 60 Second Housecall.

Dr. Hill:

Sadness is something we all experience. It is a normal reaction to difficult times in life and usually passes in time. When a person is depressed it interferes with daily life and normal functioning.

Depression seems to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it hard for the cells to communicate with each other. Depression also appears to run in families.

Depression can be linked to events in your life, such as the death of someone you love, a divorce or a job loss. Taking certain medicines, abusing drugs or alcohol, or having other illnesses also can lead to depression.

Some signs of depression may include:

No interest in things you used to enjoy

Feeling sad or empty

Crying easily or crying for no reason

Weight gain or loss

Thoughts about death or suicide

Trouble remembering things or focusing

Trouble making decisions

Problems sleeping, or

Feeling numb emotionally

If youre having symptoms of depression, be sure to tell your doctor so you can get help.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, Im Dr. Edward Hill.