Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Persistently sad, anxious, irritable, or empty mood
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired or rundown
- Significant change in appetite and/or weight
- Anger and rage
- Overreaction to criticism
- Feeling unable to meet expectations
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Feeling restless or agitated
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
- Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment
- Substance abuse problems
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Having several of these symptoms that last for two or more weeks could be a sign of depression, but depression isn’t always easy to spot. Find a trusted healthcare professional to make an accurate diagnosis.
People often use the word “depression” to refer to general, everyday feelings of sadness or being down. In fact, depression is a medical condition that can affect a person’s ability to work, study, interact with people, or take care of themselves. The symptoms of depression can last months to years if untreated.
Depression is more intense than a bad mood. Clinical depression lasts two weeks or longer. Depression interferes with your normal life functions.