Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. This is not the same as depression that results from a loss such as the death or medical condition such as a thyroid disease.
You must experience five or more symptoms of clinical depression within a two week period. These symptoms should be present most of the day, almost every day. Anyone can experience clinical depression, even children. You must have severe symptoms that cause difficulties in your relationships with others, or in daily activities such as school, work, or social gatherings.
Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty or tearful (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as constant irritability)
A markedly decreased interest in or a lack of pleasure in any or all activities
Significant weight loss, weight gain or decrease in appetite, even if you are not dieting. (In children, this is a failure to gain the weight that was expected )
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Increased desire to sleep
Restlessness or slowed behavior that can easily be observed by others
Fatigue or loss in energy
Feelings devalued or of excessive or inappropriate guilt
Trouble making decisions, or trouble thinking or concentrating
Suicide attempt or thoughts of death and suicide recurrently.
You must meet the criteria of major depressive disorder (DSM) to be diagnosed as clinical depression. This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association.

How to Help Someone With Depression

If you are worried about someone you know, you might be wondering how to help someone with depression. Here are some tips: Know the signs of depression. If you suspect that someone you love is depressed, call 911 immediately. If you think that someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, keep an eye on them at all times. Depression is no one’s fault. You can help them get better by providing support and understanding. Remind them to keep appointments and take their medications.

What Are The Signs Of Depression

While most people will be able to identify some common physical symptoms, there are a few other factors that can indicate a person might be suffering from depression. Physical fatigue is a common symptom. Some people feel unable to get out of bed in the morning. Others may be irritable and experience physical pains. When this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention. In some cases, the signs of depression can mimic medical conditions, such as a brain tumor or thyroid disorder.

The symptoms of depression vary from person to person, but they usually involve a decreased level of energy or motivation. In some cases, a person may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. These symptoms may last for weeks or even months, interfering with work and social life. Depending on the severity of the depression, the symptoms may occur infrequently, or they may appear suddenly. While these symptoms are recognizable, they may not be a sign of depression until they interfere with daily life.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression

The symptoms of depression vary depending on the type and severity. Some people may experience only a few or all of the symptoms of depression. While these symptoms are common, there is no single test for depression. A doctor will typically ask you about your symptoms and your medical history to determine if you are suffering from depression. Then, they will decide on the best course of treatment for you, which may include antidepressants and psychotherapy.

A common medical illness that negatively affects the feelings, thoughts, and behavior of a person is depression. People with this condition experience feelings of hopelessness and sadness and lose interest in activities that used to make them happy. The symptoms of depression can last weeks or months, interfering with a person’s daily activities and work. People with depression may be unaware that they are depressed until they experience a few of these symptoms over a long period of time.

How To Support Somone With Depression

Providing care for a loved one with depression can be challenging and emotionally draining. It’s important to set boundaries around difficult emotions, take breaks from your caregiving role, and make sure you take care of yourself as well. Depression is an extremely debilitating condition that can make every day tasks seem daunting. When possible, help your loved one with their day-to-day tasks, such as getting dressed and cooking dinner.

Keeping active and letting them get out of the house can help them feel better. Even if they don’t feel like doing it, a daily walk is an excellent way to pass time together. But don’t overdo it! Limit your efforts to a small amount so that you don’t burn yourself out. If you can, help them with chores, too, but don’t make their lives too much work.

How to talk to someone about depression

How to talk to someone with depression is a difficult topic to broach. While bringing up the subject of depression can help, it can also create further doubt. If you’re not sure how to approach this conversation, try asking if they have considered suicide. Often times, a depressed person may try to hide the symptoms by engaging in self-medicating. By asking questions about their depression, you can give them a safe space to talk about their experiences.

When talking to a person with depression, try to avoid making the person feel as if they’re pitying you. Depression is different from normal sadness. The main goal is to avoid appearing pitying, and try to show empathy. Empathy does not mean that you feel sorry for the person, but that you understand their perspective. Asking questions about their feelings and the symptoms can help you to see what’s going on.

Encouraging the person to get help with their depression

If you know someone who is suffering from depression, encouraging them to seek help is a smart way to help them move forward with their recovery. Sometimes, they need emotional support to overcome their fears about seeking help. This is particularly true if they are experiencing somatization or physical complaints that prevent them from talking openly about their symptoms. While urging them to seek help is important, you should not pressure them to make the decision yourself.

Rather, ask what they need from you and how you can help them. Instead of criticizing them, state the facts in a neutral way. Give them time to respond. You may need to be patient and be available to check in with them from time to time. Remember that depression is not a snappy condition, and telling them to “cheer up” or “pull themselves together” is unlikely to help them.