The Many Benefits Of Exercise For Depression Exercise For Depression Report | Page 11

Depression is much different than occasions sadness, low mood, or loss of interest, in fact, for a diagnosis of depression, symptoms must cause clinically significant impairment in work, social, and other areas of life. Ø Not everyone will experience every symptom, some may have a few, while others will have many Ø The signs and symptoms of depression can be severe or mild Ø The symptoms can vary based on the stage of depression Ø The symptoms are not attributable to substance abuse or some other medical condition Symptoms Five or more symptoms must have occurred during the same two weeks and either a depressed mood or a loss of interest must be present. • Persistent depressed mood that lasts at least most of the day and nearly every day • Marked decrease in interest or pleasure in all, or almost all regular activities for most of the day and nearly every day • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness • Anger and irritability, including agitation, violent outbursts, unexplained rage • Self-loathing, feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness, disappointment in self • Decrease in energy levels, extreme fatigue, body heaviness and sluggishness 6 | P a g e