Could I be depressed?

In October, a book is being released that deals with depression. I get to toot my own horn for a moment (*toot toot*!) about how proud I am to be included in this compilation of stories about depression, namely my experience with postpartum depression. (More info below)*.



This book is timely as we are entering fall. A time, where, depending on which demographic area you live in, can be very dark (literally!) and difficult for people. The reason the publisher of the book was inspired to create this compilation was because people still struggle to talk about mental health. Is it getting less stigmatized? Slightly. But the fact remains that many people have a hard time admitting they could be depressed and an even harder time reaching out for help.

So....How do I know if I am depressed?


The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the Bible for psychology people) defines depression as the following:

• Depressed Mood (in kids- yes, kids get depressed too!- this can look more like irritability, withdrawal)


• Reduced level of interest or pleasure in most activities


• Considerable weight loss or gain, or decrease in appetite


• Difficulty falling/staying asleep (insomnia) or sleeping more than usual (hypersomnia)


• Behavior that is agitated or slowed down


• Feeling tired of low energy


• Thoughts of worthlessness or extreme guilt


• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions


• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (although I would argue that thoughts don't need to be "frequent" to indicate a problem).

A person needs to have 5+ of these symptoms (not all). Many people minimize their depression by saying or thinking things like, "Well, I'm not thinking about killing myself, so it must not be that bad". The duration of the symptoms have been at least 2 weeks. And typically, the intensity of the symptoms are enough that they are disruptive in your home life, social life, work life, relationships, etc. People tend to start isolating themselves, or struggling at work, or withdrawing from their partners. The lack of sunlight this time of year can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- which has the same set of symptoms, but they are limited to the fall-winter months. Even if there is a seasonal pattern, the symptoms still need to be taken seriously!

At any rate... reaching out for help IS hard. But there are so many options- support groups, counseling, books, online support, medication, phototherapy (light boxes)- and none of these mean that you have a scarlet letter on your chest indicating your depressed status.

You do not need to suffer in silence.

*The book, "Not Alone" edited by Alise Wright is available on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Not-Alone-Stories-Living-Depression/dp/0615532675/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317389846&sr=8-2