What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that often gets overlooked or ignored. However, ignoring the signs and symptoms of depression can result in serious problems physically, mentally and socially. Depression is a treatable disorder as long as the signs are recognized and treatment is sought.

Loss of Interest

• One of the first signs of depression is a loss of interest in things you once loved to do. This can include a loss of interest in a fun activity or hobby or even family members and relationships.

Hopelessness

• Depression is often marked by feelings of hopelessness or helplessness that last for more than 6 months. Chronic hopelessness can have an effect on every aspect of your life, from your confidence to your ability to hold and keep a job.

Appetite Change

• Depression may also cause an appetite change. This can be a change toward eating more or hardly eating at all. Dramatic weight changes without explanation, whether they are losses or gains, may be a sign of depression.

Sleep Changes

• A change in sleeping behavior may also be a sign of depression. This can result is either not being able to sleep and experiencing insomnia, or on average getting too much sleep each night but still feeling tired when you wake up.

Loss of Energy

• Those experiencing depression often have a marked loss of energy and a feeling of tiredness. Depression often depresses your metabolism and can cause you to feel lethargic and tired throughout the day.

Self-Hatred

• Feelings of self-hatred or suicidal thoughts are both serious side effects of depression. If you are feeling either of these, see a doctor or mental health specialist as soon as possible. These two signs of depression cause the most risk of danger to you or others around you.

Concentration

• An inability to concentrate, even for short amounts of time, may be a sign of depression. This is usually caused by your thoughts wandering off elsewhere, or anxiety or worry are keeping you from focusing on the task at hand.