The symptoms of depression will vary from one person to another but as general rule, if you are depressed, you feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy for more than three weeks. To determine whether or not you are depressed, below there is a list of depression symptoms; if you experience some of these symptoms for most of the day, every day for more than two weeks, you should seek help.
Psychological depression symptoms include:
continuous low mood or sadnessfeeling hopeless and helpless
having low self-esteem
feeling tearful
feeling guilt-ridden
feeling irritable and intolerant of others
having no motivation or interest in things
finding it difficult to make decisions
not getting any enjoyment out of life
anxiety having thoughts of self-harm
Physical depression symptoms include:
moving or speaking more slowly than usual change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
constipation or stomach cramps
unexplained aches and pains
lack of energy or lack of interest in sex
changes to your monthly cycledisturbed sleep (for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning)
Social depression symptoms include:
not doing well at work
taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
neglecting your hobbies and interests
having difficulties in your home and family life
Depression can come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong. Many people continue to try to cope with their depression symptoms without realizing they are depressed. It can take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.
Doctors describe depression by how serious it is:
mild depression has some impact on your daily life
moderate depression has a significant impact on your daily life
severe depression makes it almost impossible to get through daily life
Sometimes, when people are depressed they find it hard to imagine that treatment can actually help because the very nature of depression makes you think there’s ‘something wrong with you’. However, the sooner you start to accept you’re depressed, the sooner your depression will lift.
