Diagnosis is the identification of the nature of anything. The nature of Depression is not to identify. It is because in the initial stages, everyone including the sufferer, think that the signs are of normal day to day life stress. It is extension of the bad mental state from days to weeks which make it clear that the person is depressed. Lack of awareness about exact symptoms of depression and hesitancy in accepting such an undesirable state increase the gap between diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Depression: With awareness about them, comes the natural urge to get treated. The symptoms which clearly separate ordinary and normal low feelings from clinical stage of depression are:

Feeling of hopelessness: The patient loses hope in whatever he thinks or feels. Associated with it, is a deep sense of helplessness within his body. Self confidence level drops and feelings of guilt and worthlessness raise.

Change in Daily life activities: The person loses focus of his priorities of life. It is followed by lack of interest in the previously enjoyed activities of life.

Prefer to be lonely: The person avoids social interactions and activities. He initially prefers and then increasing needs loneliness as the state of depression intensifies.

Fatigue: Simple tasks can make the patient feel tiring and mentally strenuous. It involves sense of frequent irritation while performing the task and haste to complete it with urgency and get rid of it.

Weight Disorder: Change in weight primarily because of alterations in food habits is also seen. Such a change in weight can be 5% or more within a month’s time.

Sleeping ‪order: Constant influence of negative thoughts raise the fear. The anxiety level never comes down and sleep gets effected. Lack of sleep (Insomnia) or oversleeping (Hypersomnia) grips the person. This affects the ability to concentrate in tasks greatly.

These are the symptoms of depression in general. To specify the type of depression and its present stage, diagnosis by medical practitioners is required. It is because, every type of depression contains certain specific symptoms apart from the general symptoms of depression mentioned above. They can be started once the patient gives up his fears, accepts that he requires medical treatment and consults the doctor.