{"id":754,"date":"2025-11-06T07:52:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T07:52:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mindfulsolutionswa.com\/faqs\/?p=754"},"modified":"2025-11-06T07:52:05","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T07:52:05","slug":"how-do-i-know-if-i-am-depressed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mindfulsolutionswa.com\/faqs\/how-do-i-know-if-i-am-depressed\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Know If I Am Depressed?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Depression is more than just feeling sad or \u201cdown.\u201d<\/a> It\u2019s a medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and act daily for at least two weeks. Here are the key signs to watch for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Persistent low mood<\/strong> \u2013 Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or tearful most of the day, nearly every day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Loss of interest<\/strong> \u2013 No longer enjoying hobbies, socializing, sex, or things that used to excite you (called anhedonia).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Energy crash<\/strong> \u2013 Feeling exhausted or \u201cslowed down\u201d even after rest. Simple tasks feel overwhelming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Sleep changes<\/strong> \u2013 Sleeping too much (hypersomnia) or too little (insomnia), waking early, or restless sleep.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Appetite\/weight shifts<\/strong> \u2013 Significant weight loss or gain without trying, or appetite increase\/decrease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Concentration problems<\/strong> \u2013 Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions (\u201cbrain fog\u201d).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Guilt or worthlessness<\/strong> \u2013 Harsh self-criticism, feeling like a burden, or excessive guilt over minor things.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Physical aches<\/strong> \u2013 Unexplained headaches, stomach issues, or body pain that doesn\u2019t respond to treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Thoughts of death<\/strong> \u2013 Recurrent thoughts of dying, suicidal ideation (with or without a plan), or self-harm urges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If you experience five or more<\/strong> <\/a>of these symptoms (including low mood or loss of interest) nearly every day for two weeks, and they impair work, relationships, or self-care, you may have clinical depression (Major Depressive Disorder).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What to do next:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n