What is clear is that education, assessment, and a personal plan are vital tools in preserving mental health. While there aren't always obvious clues to show you when your mental health is suffering, there are some helpful ways to distinguish symptoms from an actual diagnosis . Each one of us is unique. And when we suffer from psychological difficulties, that experience is unique to us, too. However, there are identifiable mental health issues with recognizable symptoms.
Major depression is much more than a feeling of sadness.
Someone with major depression has a persistent sad mood and is uninterested in all or most pleasurable activities. There are also other depressive symptoms, such as weight loss or gain, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty sleeping, and thoughts of death or suicide. The symptoms are present nearly all day every day for at least two weeks. A self-assessment can help you determine whether you are depressed. Women are more prone to depression , including postpartum depression , premenstrual dysphoric syndrome , and seasonal affective disorder .