I don't want to be depressed but if I look at that list......
* Loss of interest in normal daily activities. (tick - eg washing up, putting out garbage, bringing in empty bins, cleaning bird cage, cleaning bathroom/house, cooking - so I get take out) You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.(I find myself doing things I normally wouldn't do - like I decided to re-build a car - I really shouldn't be as i can't really afford it but in retrospect, I think I am doing it to find pleasure somewhere)
* Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells. (I find I am crying more - which is hard for me to say cause I am a man - but not just over anything - I could be watching TV and a sad bit comes on and a loose it, happens more than it did before)
In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.
* Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical. (Definitely sleeping too much, I'd sleep in all day if I could, but I eventually get up)
* Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory. (Definitely - I can relate to this nearly every day - I put something down and then I can't remember where I put it. Also, just last week, I forgot (1) my best AA friends birthday dinner, (2) My therapists appointment (3) Something else that I can't remember (4) Got my BBS days mixed up)
* Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression. (Have put on 12kgs)
* Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed. (Not so much - I just get annoyed at myself)
* Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone. (When I wake up - I feel like a zombie - I am in such a haze , it's like being drunk - I trip over things - takes me hours to wake up properly)
* Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt. (Yep, feeling pretty worthless - mainly because I am not contributing to myself or society)
* Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.(Sex ?? Ha - It's been a loooooong time)
* Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety. (Yep, I get headaches 5 or 6 times per week - went to a Dr, who put sent me to a neurologist - had brain scans - nothing wrong - put me on Ispotin)