Signs and symptoms
You may be depressed if, for more than two weeks, you've felt sad, down or
miserable most of the time, or have lost interest or pleasure in usual activities,
and have also experienced several of the signs and symptoms across at least
three of the categories below.
It’s important to remember that we all experience some of these symptoms
from time to time, and it may not necessarily mean you're depressed. Equally,
not everyone who is experiencing depression will have all of these
symptoms.
Behaviour
not going out anymore
not getting things done at work/school
withdrawing from close family and friends
relying on alcohol and sedatives
not doing usual enjoyable activities
unable to concentrate
Feelings
overwhelmed
guilty
irritable
frustrated
lacking in confidence
unhappy
indecisive
disappointed
miserable
sad
Thoughts
'I’m a failure.'
'It’s my fault.'
'Nothing good ever happens to me.'
'I’m worthless.'
'Life’s not worth living.'
'People would be better off without me.'
Physical
tired all the time
sick and run down
headaches and muscle pains
churning gut
sleep problems
loss or change of appetite
significant weight loss or gain
What is depression?
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions
such as hopelessness and despair take hold and just won’t go away, you may
have depression. More than just sadness in response to life’s struggles and
setbacks, depression changes how you think, feel, and function in daily
activities. It can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and
enjoy life. Just trying to get through the day can be overwhelming.
While some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having
a feeling of impending doom, others feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic. Men
in particular can feel angry and restless. However you experience depression,
left untreated it can become a serious health condition. But it’s important to
remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of
depression—not the reality of your situation.
No matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. By understanding the
cause of your depression and recognizing the different symptoms and types
of depression, you can take the first steps to feeling better and overcoming
the problem.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs
and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part
of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they
are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing
with depression.
10 common symptoms of depression:
1. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will
ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
2. Loss of interest in daily activities. You don’t care anymore about former
hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy
and pleasure.
3. Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a
change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
4. Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the
morning, or oversleeping.
5. Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your
tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets
on your nerves.
6. Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your
whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take
longer to complete.
7. Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize
yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
8. Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance
abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
9. Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or
remembering things.
10.Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as
headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
The link between depression symptoms and anxiety
Depression and anxiety are believed to stem from the same biological
vulnerability, which may explain why they so often go hand-in-hand. Since
anxiety makes depression worse (and vice versa), it’s important to seek
treatment for both conditions.
Is it depression or bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, involves serious shifts in
moods, energy, thinking, and behavior. Because it looks so similar to
depression when in the low phase, it is often overlooked and misdiagnosed.
This can be a serious problem as taking antidepressants for bipolar depression
can actually make the condition worse. If you’ve ever gone through phases
where you experienced excessive feelings of euphoria, a decreased need for
sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior, consider getting evaluated for
bipolar disorder.
Depression and suicide risk
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and
hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the
only way to escape the pain. If you have a loved one with depression, take
any suicidal talk or behavior seriously and watch for the warning signs:
Talking about killing or harming one’s self
Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
An unusual preoccupation with death or dying
Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red
lights)
Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)
Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want
out”
A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy
