Unfortunately, about two-thirds of people with depression go undiagnosed.

Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, which is a sad testament to the clinical astuteness of most physicians.

The following diagnostic clues are telling indicators that you or someone you love might be suffering from this illness:

One set of diagnostic criteria commonly used to assess depression is known as "SIGECAPS" (see table below). This stands for sleep, interest, guilt, energy, concentration, appetite, psychomotor and suicide.  

If four or more of these items are a concern, it indicates major depression. However, other criteria, such as watching for symptoms other than just mood change and obtaining supporting information from family members is important.

The cause of depression is thought to be a disruption of the brain’s neurochemistry.  Central norepinephrine neural pathways in the brain play a role in vigilance, motivation and energy levels. These pathways are associated with serotonin neural pathways, which are involved in controlling impulsivity, and share a role with the dopamine pathways in appetite, sex and aggression.

Depression is expected to be the second leading cause of disability for people of all ages by 2020. In general, an unhealthy lifestyle is more common among those depressed than those who are not. Additionally, children of those with depression are thought to have increased rates of behavior problems and lower levels of self-esteem than children with mothers who do not have depression.

Depression is much more than just feeling blue once in a while.

It is important to watch for symptoms besides mood changes, considering relevant information from family and friends as well.

Notes on Suicide: When to Worry

Most suicide attempts are expressions of extreme distress, not harmless bids for attention. A person who appears suicidal needs immediate professional help.

If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone.

Help the person to seek immediate assistance from heir doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Eliminate access to firearms or other potential suicide aids, including unsupervised access to medications.

Besides straightforward or "sideways" comments about not wanting to live any longer, some of the red flags that a person has a high risk for self-harm include:

• Acquiring a weapon
• Hoarding medication
• No plan for the future
• Putting affairs in order
• Making or changing a will
• Giving away personal belongings
• Mending grievances
• Checking on insurance policies
• Withdrawing from people

Verbal Indicators

• Straightforward Comments:
  • "I wish I were dead"
  • "I wish I had the nerve to kill myself."
  • "I wish I could die in my sleep."
  • "If it weren't for my kids, my husband ... I would commit suicide."
  • Hints:
    • "I hate life."
    • "Why do I bother?"
    • "I can't take it anymore."
    • "Nothing matters anymore."

Note that these signs are not proof positive that someone is considering suicide. Any number of these signs may be evident, but the person has given little or no thought to taking their own life. The reverse is also true. A person may give no warning of an impending suicide attempt. So how do you know for sure?   Ask. Yes, ask!   Be open to discussing this difficult subject with your loved one. It could save a life.

Your suicide risk is higher if you have recently experienced any of the following extremely stressful life situations (this is certainly not a comprehensive list):

• Loss of a significant relationship or death of a loved one
• Diagnosis of a terminal illness
• Loss of financial security or livelihood
• Loss of home or employment
• Abuse, rape or other serious emotional trauma

People sometimes become more suicidal as they begin the climb up out of depression, which is one means by which antidepressant drugs can increase suicide risk.

One of the reasons for this is, as lethargy (which is common in depression) lifts, you can more easily find the energy to carry out a suicide plan. Another possible reason is that you might feel more in control and therefore at peace with your situation once you've made a decision to end your own life.

This is important to keep in mind because people may appear as if they are feeling better, when in fact, they are more at risk.

Remember that these are only general guidelines, and often your own intuition is the best indicator that someone you love is really in trouble.

If you are feeling desperate or have any thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or call 911, or simply go to your nearest Hospital Emergency Department. You can't make long-term plans for lifestyle changes when you are in a crisis!

First let someone help you through the crisis — then you can deal with your depression later, when you're feeling more resourceful.

This information was taken from the article entitled, “Please Don’t Visit this type of Doctor Unless You Absolutely Have to”.  I strongly urge you to read what Dr. Mercola has to say about this.