Are You Depressed?

The classic symptoms of depression include:

• Having little interest or pleasure in doing things
• Feeling down or hopeless
• Lethargy
• An inability to concentrate
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Feeling bad about yourself
• Decreased appetite
• Thoughts of hurting yourself

It may seem like these signs would be easy to detect, but doctors say that often patients complain of various pains and headaches when they're actually struggling with their mood. "You might not realize what's going on, because when you're depressed, your judgment is impaired," says Gail Saltz, MD. That makes it even more crucial to talk to your physician. "Don't be afraid to tell your doctor that something isn't right, that you think you might be depressed," advises Danielle Ofri, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine. Your MD should then ask questions to determine if you have the above-mentioned symptoms and to figure out the best treatment. If your doctor isn't taking you seriously, contact a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation. To find one in your area, check out the National Mental Health Association Web site at nmha.org.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, December 2006.