How Do You Know If You Have Depression

We all experience bouts of sadness at some point in our lives, which may have us asking, ‘How do you know if you have depression?’ However, if these feelings persist over a long period of time and are strong enough to disrupt your quality of life, it may be a sign to seek help.

The symptoms of clinical depression are far more serious than the occasional ‘blues’ or ‘case of the Mondays’. They can negatively affect your feelings, your thinking, and the way you act, and can severely interfere with everyday life. 

Depression can manifest in a variety of ways and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. This can make finding an answer to the question, ‘How do you know if you have depression?’ difficult. Some people may only experience a few, while others may experience many. The severity and frequency of these symptoms will also vary from person to person.

There are many symptoms associated with depression ranging from psychological, physical, and behavioural.[1] Psychological symptoms can include low mood, difficulty with decision-making, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, guilt, and restlessness, among others.

People with depression may also experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, and stomach and muscle pains. It can leave you with difficulty sleeping or, conversely, make you feel like you want to sleep all the time. It can even affect your appetite and cause weight loss or gain.

Depression can also cause social withdrawal, difficulty finding pleasure in activities, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, depression can worsen and even lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. It is important to seek help from a doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of depression.

If this is something you are experiencing, talking to a professional can help greatly. At Mosh, we work with a network of AHPRA-registered doctors who can listen to your concerns with a compassionate ear and provide you with the support you need.

It is possible to detect depression early, and even just asking, ‘How do you know if you have depression?’ is a step in the right direction, as you may be acknowledging that something needs to be addressed. Early detection of depression can help individuals access the support and resources they need to manage their condition before it becomes more severe.[2]

There are a few ways to detect depression early, including talking to your doctor about any changes in your mood or behaviour, paying attention to physical changes such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, sleeping too much or too little, and noticing any changes in your thoughts and outlook on life. 

Additionally, seeking out help can be beneficial in identifying symptoms of depression and developing coping strategies and healthy habits to improve mental health. It is important to remember that while it may be difficult to talk about depression, seeking help early can make a big difference in improving overall mental health.

Mental health is a personal issue that can be difficult to bring up. That is why Mosh provides a safe space online where you can be as open as you need to be and trust that anything that you talk about during your session will be kept completely confidential.

Doctors and mental health professionals use research-based criteria (such as scientific guidelines, screening tools, checklists, and other factors) to diagnose depression. They typically take a detailed account of a person’s medical, psychological, and social history. They may also administer other tests to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms. 

The primary system used in Australia to diagnose several mental disorders and conditions is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. This manual includes criteria for diagnosing different types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and more.

As defined by the DSM-5, a person must experience five or more symptoms of depression for at least two weeks in order to be diagnosed with depression. A new symptom that is worse than what existed before the episode must also be present for the majority of the day, as well as novel to the patient.[3] 

It is important not to self-diagnose depression or any other mental illness with a ‘what type of depression do I have quiz’. Self-diagnosis can result in a misdiagnosis, which could lead to treatment that does not address the underlying issue or even exacerbate it. Only a doctor can properly arrive at a diagnosis for a mental illness, and it is crucial to seek help if you are experiencing symptoms of depression.

At Mosh, we have a mental health questionnaire that our doctors can use to assess your situation, and your doctor can review and connect with you within twenty-four hours of you completing the quiz. You can ask them questions like ‘How to get rid of depression?’ ‘How to stop stress?’ and ‘What to say to someone with depression?’

Mosh is a telehealth platform that lets you consult with doctors from Australia without having to leave the house. Aside from mental health, if you have questions about hair loss, want to find out what treatments are available, or wish to discuss any other concerns related to sexual health or skincare, consult with a doctor.

There is no need to keep asking yourself, ‘How do you know if you have depression?’ as there are professionals that can help give you the right answer. Whenever you are ready to talk, Mosh is here to help.