Depression Symptoms

There are many different symptoms of depression. Everyone with depression experiences different symptoms--you don't need to have all of the listed symptoms to be depressed. Generally, if you suffer from about 5 of these symptoms for at least 2 weeks constantly, you may be depressed.

Most Common Symptoms of Depression:

• Depressed mood--feelings of overwhelming sadness, or emptiness.
• Lack or lost of interest in previously enjoyed activities/hobbies, including sex.
• Change in sleeping patterns (either sleeping too much, or too little. Includes insomnia).
• Strong feelings of guilt.
• Lack of energy--mental and/or physical fatigue.
• Recduced concentration, trouble with concentrating on things, reduced focus.
• Change in appetite--either increased appetite or decreased appetite
• Significant weight gain or weight loss.
• Suicidal thoughts--either suicidal ideation without a plan, or a specific plan for committing suicide, or a suicide attempt.
• Recurring thoughts of death, or wanting to die, even if
• Feeling helpless, hopless, or worthless.
• Feelings of loneliness and isolation, low self-esteem.
• Nervousness and axious feelings (people with depression often suffer from anxiety disorders as well).

The symptoms of depression are not limited to this list--every person is different and some people may have other symptoms not listed here. If you feel that you suffer from at least 3 or 4 of these symptoms, you should seek professional help and at least talk to your doctor about it.

Some Other Possible Symptoms of Depression:

• Decrease in self-esteem.
• Physical symptoms such as aches and pains, or physical illnesses.
• Self-loathing.
• Reduced personal hygiene.
• Periods of crying or sobbing, sometimes for no reason.
• Behavioral changes such as irratibility or agression.
• Becoming more noise sensitive.
• Fear/worry that you are "going crazy" or are going to "lose control".

Continue to Types of Depression »