The Symptoms Of Depression

Feeling sad, blue, or “down in the dumps,” lack of energy, and feeling tired all the time are symptoms of depression. Loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy, and withdrawal from friends and family, are also signs of depression.

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, please seek professional help.

When people think of depression, they often think of someone who is sad all the time. While sadness is a common symptom of depression, it is not the only one.

Depression is a complex illness with a variety of symptoms.

Some of these symptoms may be easy to overlook because they can be attributed to other causes, or they may be so subtle that you don’t even realize that they’re there. 

Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day; it is a persistently low mood that affects your ability to function in your day-to-day life.

What Exactly Are The Symptoms Of Depression?

If you are wondering whether or not you may be depressed, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

1. Feeling persistently sad, empty, or hopeless

If you are depressed, you may feel like you will never feel better.

You may lose interest in things that you used to enjoy and have trouble finding pleasure in anything.

You may also feel like life is not worth living, which can lead to thoughts of suicide.

2. Loss of energy or fatigue

Depression can make it hard for you to get out of bed in the morning or do anything that requires effort.

Even simple tasks like taking a shower or brushing your teeth can seem impossible.

You may find yourself moving more slowly than usual or feeling like your body is weighed down.

3. Change in appetite or weight

Changes in appetite are common in people with depression.

Some people lose their appetite entirely and lose weight as a result, while others find themselves overeating and gaining weight.

4. Sleeping too much or too little

It is common for individuals with depression to either sleep too much or have difficulty sleeping.

You may find yourself sleeping more than usual because you want to escape from your low mood, or you may have trouble falling asleep because your mind is racing with negative thoughts.

5. Irritability, frustration, or anger almost every day

Another common symptom of depression is feeling irritable or easily agitated.

You may find yourself snapping at people for no reason or getting into arguments more frequently.

6. Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things

People who have depression often have trouble focusing on anything other than their low moods.

This can make it hard to concentrate at work or school, make decisions, or remember things that were once easy for you to recall.

7. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt are a symptom of depression.

Individuals who suffer from depression usually beat themselves up over things that they see as their fault, even when there is no reason to feel guilty.

You may feel like you are not good enough or that you do not deserve happiness.

8. Substance use 

Depression can also lead to substance abuse.

If you’re struggling with depression, you may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with your feelings of sadness and despair.

However, self-medicating with substances will only make your depression worse in the long run. 

9. Decreased self-care

When people are depressed, they often lose the motivation to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally.

This can manifest itself in different ways, such as skipping meals, neglecting personal hygiene, or not seeing friends and family members as often as usual.

If your self-care has decreased recently, it’s worth considering whether depression may be the cause. 

Final thoughts

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help.

Depression is a treatable illness, but it is not something that you can overcome on your own.

Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional to get the help that you need.

Further Reading: 7 Foods That Help Fight Depression