According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 15 million people in America suffer from clinical depression. It also causes disability in people between 15 and 44 years of age. Depression is quite common, but many people confuse its symptoms with other disorders. Similarly, some people are only lazy but they think they are depressed. 

Am I Depressed or Just Lazy?

In order to answer this question, you need to develop a better understanding about the signs related to both problems.

You're lazy if you know you can do something but don't do it because of the effort involved. Instead of doing that task, you prefer not to do anything or do some less strenuous activity.

You're depressed if you develop a bleak outlook and start to think that nothing will ever get better in life. You will also lose interest in your daily activities, pastimes and hobbies. Here are some other common signs and symptoms of depression:

• You will lose your appetite or notice sudden increase in it. This will lead to significant weight gain or weight loss.
• You will notice sleep changes, such as insomnia or hypersomnia.
• You will feel irritable and restless. Your tolerance level will decrease and you may even become violent at times.
• You will feel sluggish, fatigued and physically drained.
• You will develop strong feels of guilt or worthlessness.
• You are more likely to engage in escapist behavior such as compulsive gambling, substance abuse, dangerous sports or reckless driving.
• You will develop concentration problems and have trouble in focusing and making decisions.
• You will notice unexplained pains and aches, including backache, headache, etc.

By having a closer look at these symptoms, it will become evident that depression is actually a mood disorder, and laziness is something completely different. If you're a procrastinator and feel lazy all the time, it doesn't mean you're depressed as well. Many people can still enjoy life even though they are extremely lazy. Just don't panic if you're lazy – you can do a lot to change your behavior.

If You Are Just Lazy, How to Change It

Am I depressed or just lazy? You will find out just by paying attention to the abovementioned symptoms. If you're just lazy, the question left is,"What should you do when you know you're chronically lazy?" The thing you need to understand is that laziness will lead to more laziness, so it is important that you do something to change it. Here're some tipsthat can help you overcome your laziness gradually:

• Learn to break down larger tasks into smaller ones because large tasks often look too tiring and too overwhelming. Smaller tasks won't look intimidating and you will be able to do them on time.
• Be sure to take enough rest and exercise regularly to keep your batteries charged. Sometimes, laziness is only because you don't have any energy to perform a task. So, give your body enough rest and fresh air to perform better.
• Lack of motivation is usually the main reason why you feel lazy. Try affirmations to strengthen your motivation. Visualization techniques and thinking about the importance of completing a task will also help keep you motivated.
• Focus on all the benefits you will get once you overcome your laziness. Don't think about the obstacles or difficulties because this will lead to discouragement and keep you from taking any action to overcome laziness.
• Think about the consequences of not completing a task on time. Make yourself understand that you will have to pay in the long-run if you succumb to laziness.
• Don't start too many things all at the same time. You should have your focus on one thing at a time. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and keep you on your toes as well.
• What you imagine will have an impact on what you end up achieving. It means you should use the power of visualization to change your habits. Simply visualizing that you're performing a particular task energetically, easily and enthusiastically will actually make it easier in the real life.
• Take every task you complete as an exercise to feel stronger, more asserting and more decisive.
• Learn to get rid of procrastination. If you have to do something, "now" is the right time to do it.
• Learn from successful people. Watch them on TV. Hear what they say and follow those pieces of advice to get rid of laziness.

If You Are Depressed, What Should You Do?

If depression is your answer to "Am I depressed or just lazy", you should go see your doctor immediately. You can now find a number of effective and proven ways to get rid of depression. Your doctor is more likely to start with antidepressants and physiotherapy. Research shows that combining therapy with medication proves more effective and beneficial. Talk to your friends, family members or someone you trust if you're feeling a bit reluctant to make an appointment with your doctor. Call your mental health specialists immediately if you have suicide thoughts.

You can also learn 10 helpful tips that you can apply in everyday life from the video below: