According to the DSM-V, for a spell of melancholy to be considered a Major Depressive Episode, it must persist for at least two weeks, and be accompanied by at least 5 of these symptoms:

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful).
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others).
Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5 percent of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others).
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
Those symptoms can sound rather technical, so here’s a list of common signs put in layman’s terms by the Mayo Clinic:

Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or unhappiness
Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as sex
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort
Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness — for example, excessive worrying, pacing, hand-wringing, or an inability to sit still
Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures, or blaming yourself for things that are not your responsibility
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
Besides Major Depressive Disorder, the other form of depression that’s frequently diagnosed is “Persistent Depressive Disorder.” It’s less severe from day to day than a bout of MDD, but it lasts longer. PDP manifests in adults as a low mood that lingers for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years. During this 2-year period, depression-free intervals last no longer than 2 months. One’s low mood must also be accompanied by at least two of the DSM symptoms listed above.


middle aged and older adults may be especially vulnerable

I urge you to contact a trained professional for help
if you are suicidal
1-800-273-8255 suicide prevention hotline number

Did you know that depression is common in people and to some degree EVERYONE has experience some type of depression in their lifetimes

of course..we all have a full spectrum of emotions
and when a triggering even occurs in life it is normal to experience
trauma, pain, hurt, grief

most deal with these events in their own way and eventually come thru or bounce back
but for some..some become stuck

and over time, this may actually alter their brain chemistry

for others..if asked they cannot seem to pinpoint a triggering event

just seem to happen over time..less energy, lethargy, disinterest, body aches and pains, sleeping too much or not sleeping, substance abuse..

and it alters their entire perception, their view or lense if you will
of how they see their world

and telling someone to just 'cheer up' is not going to help


with holiday coming up
be aware of the signs

TMommy,

If all that is true, then most of the world needs Therapy,I don't doubt that it is all relevant, but I can't see it, I may be cynical,but I think there are a lot of people paying a lot of money to have someone listen to them.

I fought a lifelong battle with depression and didn't even have a clue.
It was a suicide attempt that made me look.
I sought professional help and found out my brain was deficient in a certain chemical.
I got that chemical and my thinking cleared. It changed my chemistry permanently.
That might not be the case for everyone but it gave me clarity of thought.
I gobbled up information on depression.
I set myself to end my suffering.
It worked for me.

Now I see depression as a series of thoughts that reinforce negative thoughts. Breaking that pattern breaks the cycle. While I still get depressed from time to time it no longer controls me. I control me.

Whatever you do that works for you is for the better. If it is beyond you, get some help. It IS WORTH IT. Just try to remember that nobody can cure your depression except you.

Its not about others listening but more about you listening to yourself.
Part of MY DEPRESSIOn was the delusions I surrounded myself with. I started removing delusions and I gained clarity of myself.
It is sometimes places one does not wish to look. Look you must and understand.

Things are never so bad as we might imagine. When you weigh your very life against it.

Once you find that true inner honesty and outer truth everything gets easier. The journey is difficult but are you not worth the effort? After-all without you, what is there but utter darkness and silence?

I am glad you sorted it Tom, I am a bit of a Cynical old Sod, but funnily enough being like that has helped me through.

of course, it is called talk therapy

most walk in door already knowing what the issues are they would like to work on

clients set the goals not the counselors

most even already know the direction they are thinking of taking

sometimes it is nice to have a third party objective to listen



help sort everything out

I encourage everyone to try it

if there comes a time in their lives when the coping mechanisms you are using are no longer working
or they are now detrimental and are affecting your work, your relationships, your life

many who are cynical or against therapy or counseling
have never tried it or
the only time they did
they were dragged into it kicking and screaming by someone else

I don't usually post this kind of stuff here
but some know that this what I am getting my Master's in
actually it is Profesional and School Counseling dual certification

I think there are at least two others that come on here that hold doctoral degress and are psychiatrists or psychologists

I in no way claim to be an expert for I am still learning
just putting this out there in case someone needs it

See, its not what others decide. We all find our own way. May it never let you down.
PTSD stands for Post Tramatic Stress Syndrome
It is a something that happens after you experience a stressful event.
Just realise that not ALL depression is post tramatic stress.

I had PTSD but I suffered from another, deeper depression all my life.
Treatingthe PTSD didn't have a lasting effect. Understanding my own depression and dealing with it within did help me.

Whatever your depression source, it is within you. That is a major thing to come to terms with and vital to gaining control. Your depression is not caused by outside forces. It is self-induced.

So much truth there.

I no longer COPE with my depression. I DESTROY it as soon as I realize it is trying to take control.
I have no room for depression any longer. None, zip, zilch. I am in control of me not my fears or inadequecies.

If you struggle with this I can only say that ONLY YOU can give yourself the power to overcome it. It might not be easy, but in the end, it IS WORTH all the effort and discipline.

Well young Lady, may I wish you all the very best in your chosen career, and I sincerely hope you don't have too many clients who need to be dragged kicking and screaming into your office.

hahahaa..well those are usually in family therapy, marriage therapy or court mandated clients

free will baby
only you can make the choice to change

but thank you

I don't know why most dating sites do not have this topic stickied at the top


so if you have struggled with this one
you are now
or you know someone that has dealt with this bad boy

or maybe just wanna voice your opinion feel free

Honorable!

Sometimes people need a way to seek out their options outside the official channels. Sometimes we help each other at Mingle2.

While professionals are there, not all are there for you.

Mine tried 3 different drugs before we got the one I actually needed. Beware the ones that prescribe and call it done.
Not only did I not NEED a large dose, I didn't need it over duration. My need for the drug waned over time and my dr reduced the dose till I no longer needed it.
Again, what worked for me may not work for you.
It is personal, completely personal.

Well thank you Tmommy, If ever I feel the urge,you will be top of my list of who to approach

Tom ,it's 2.30am here, so I am going to try and get some sleep,speak tomorrow.

Not to be nosy TMommy I have been on here for awhile ... and have seen some of your profile pics and post ...
before they made us change them ...
some where pretty dark ... is this how you see depression ...
or was this taken from a study ... which are not always correct ...
since people are so different...
did you also know bipolar can lead to depression and passably suicide... or thoughts of suicide ... did not see any of that in your ...post but good to inform people of the kind of symptoms they may have or unworthy feelings they may have of themselves ... thanks ... and agree always seek help from a professional...

wonderful contribution.

I have no personal experience with bipolar but I do know people that fight that battle. I just want to let everyone know that if you can cause a bipolar condition at will it may not be a bipolar condition. The real thing is so terrible.

With that said, be aware that some people try to use depression as a tactic to control others. I can only offer this, be careful what you wish for. Depression is self-fulfilling. It can get out of hand easily.

interesting comment Mysticalview
since this thread was started in order to offer
a chance for others to voice their opinion on this topic
I shall keep it on topic
though your comments certainly reflect something about you
the info given was taken from the DSM 5
my opinion on causes of depression? varies depending on the individual
comorbitity- I am well aware that a client may have more than one thing going on when he or she walks in the door
would you like to contribute something about bi-polar and depression?
by the way...the word unworthy was not mentioned anywhere
that was a word you chose

hahaa..well thank you
I do not usually mix my real life work with my outlet for play
but thought I would put this here for those who may actually need it

*** Disclaimer**
the afore mentioned info is taken from the DSM-5
and it is the currently used criteria when diagnosing
I did not write it
I am only posting it here