Depression Signs and Symptoms
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It can affect a person’s emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Here are some common signs and symptoms of depression:
1. Emotional Symptoms:
Persistent Sadness: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day.
Anxiety: Feeling anxious or nervous in addition to feeling low.
Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated, agitated, or angry, even over small matters.
Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: Experiencing excessive guilt, self-blame, or feelings of worthlessness.
Loss of Interest: A lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including hobbies, social activities, or sex (anhedonia).
2. Cognitive Symptoms:
Trouble Concentrating: Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Negative Thoughts: Persistent negative thoughts, such as a bleak outlook on life or self-critical thoughts.
Indecisiveness: Difficulty making decisions, even simple ones.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Recurrent thoughts about death, dying, or suicide, or making plans for suicide.
3. Physical Symptoms:
Fatigue: Feeling tired or having low energy almost every day, even after a full night’s sleep.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
Appetite and Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite—either eating too little or too much.
Psychomotor Changes: Noticeable slowing down of thought and physical movement (psychomotor retardation) or restlessness and agitation (psychomotor agitation).
Aches and Pains: Unexplained physical problems, such as headaches, back pain, or digestive issues.
4. Behavioral Symptoms:
Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions, withdrawing from friends and family, or isolating oneself.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Difficulty keeping up with work, school, or household responsibilities.
Self-Harm: Engaging in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, as a way to cope with emotional pain.
Substance Abuse: Increased use of alcohol or drugs to escape feelings of sadness or numbness.
5. Mood Symptoms:
Mood Swings: Fluctuations in mood, but generally leaning towards a consistently low mood.
Hopelessness: A pervasive sense that things will never get better and that there’s no point in trying.
Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from emotions, as if you are just going through the motions of life.
6. Social Symptoms:
Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions, losing touch with friends and family, and avoiding social situations.
Relationship Problems: Struggling to maintain relationships due to irritability, lack of interest, or feelings of unworthiness.
7. Physical Appearance Changes:
Neglecting Personal Care: A noticeable decline in grooming or personal hygiene.
Changes in Energy Levels: Experiencing extreme fatigue, making even small tasks feel exhausting.
Depression can vary in severity, and not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms. If these symptoms persist for two weeks or longer and interfere with daily life, it may indicate major depressive disorder, and seeking professional help is strongly recommended.
Contact us to learn more about our evaluation and treatment services for depression.
