Core Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that is much more than a case of the blues. While many people go through rough patches or experience sadness, depression can last for weeks or months at a time and interfere with daily activities and responsibilities. Depression may strike as early as the teenage years, as late as the senior years, and everywhere in between. Depression isn't a normal part of life or a healthy emotion to experience. Rather, it is a serious illness that requires treatment and medical attention to manage. Without treatment, depression can lead to severe health problems.

Feelings of Sadness

• Depression is more than being upset over a bad day or unfortunate news. People with depression suffer serious, debilitating sadness that may leave them crying frequently and unable to function in the day to day. Sadness from depression lasts for a minimum of two weeks without improvement.

Emptiness

• Hatred of one's self, feeling hopeless, helpless and worthless are common symptoms of depression. People with depression often lose interest in family, friends and activities--shopping, cooking or gardening hobbies may fall by the wayside because of a lack of interest.

Despair

• Thoughts of or attempted suicide are common symptoms of depression. These are extremely serious signs that should be taken seriously. Anyone thinking about suicide, or who knows someone who has spoken of suicide, should seek immediate help.

Inability to Concentrate

• Focusing on work at school or the office is difficult for people suffering from depression. Grades or performance at work may slip, memory may worsen, and making decisions may become difficult or impossible for people with depression.

Lack of Sleep

• Insomnia is common for people with depression, but the opposite is also true. Some people with depression may sleep excessively, getting far more sleep than is normal or necessary.

Physical Symptoms

• Depression may be a mental health issue, but it also affects physical health. Changes in weight and appetite (either an increase or decrease), feelings of fatigue and exhaustion and digestive problems may occur. Aching all over the body, pain in the muscles and frequent headaches may even persist despite treatment.

Warnings

• Without treatment, depression won't go away or stay the same, but rather will continue to worsen. Any suicidal threat or conversation should always be taken very seriously and immediately reported to a medical treatment team. Medication, therapy and a healthy lifestyle can treat symptoms of depression and keep them from coming back.