Depression self help guidelines. Check the symptoms, types and self help treatments.

Over the past year, 16.5 million Americans age 18 or older — 1 in 13 adults — experienced at least one bout of major depression, according to a new government survey in 2009. Whatever the reason, forgoing care is never a good idea, one expert said. “Depression is a medical condition that should be treated with the same urgency as any other medical condition”.

With this article, you’ll be able to establish your level of depression, so you decide if you want to treat it with a depression self help treatment or you need to go to your clinical doctor.

Symptoms of Depression

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and also over time. Here are the most common symptoms of depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable, including sex.
• Decreased energy, fatigue; feeling “slowed down.”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• Trouble sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping.
• Changes in appetite and/or weight.
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
• Restlessness or irritability.
• Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment

Types of Depression