This is a good "quote" from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website for the symptoms of depression.
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=54&ContentID=23037What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depression may include:- loss of energy
- prolonged sadness
- decreased activity and energy
- restlessness and irritability
- inability to concentrate or make decisions
- increased feelings of worry and anxiety
- less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed
- feelings of guilt and hopelessness
- thoughts of suicide
- change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)
- change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)
I share this quote to educate those who may not know or understand depression.
When I am depressed I don't necessarily experience ALL of these symptoms,
but I do experience a good handful.
The degree or intensity of the symptoms varies.
Just because I take medication for my illness doesn't mean I don't get depressed.
It is BECAUSE I follow my doctor's orders
that the severity of my symptoms are lessened and I am better able to manage my illness.
