Symptoms of Depression

What is Depression:

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home. Depression is a treatable illness, and there are many things that you can do to feel better. It is important to seek help from a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of Depression:

Persistent Feelings of Sadness, Hopelessness, or Emptiness:

This may be one of the most noticeable symptoms of depression. You may feel like you have no future and that things will never get better.

Changes in Appetite or Weight:

Depression can cause changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or weight gain. You may not feel hungry, or you may find yourself eating more than usual.

Difficulty Sleeping or Oversleeping:

Depression can cause problems with sleep. You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or you may sleep more than usual.

Loss of Energy or Increased Fatigue:

Depression can cause you to feel tired and sluggish. You may have a hard time getting out of bed or completing daily tasks.

Increased Feelings of Restlessness or Being Slowed Down:

Depression can cause you to feel restless and agitated, or it can make you feel slowed down and sluggish. You may have a hard time sitting still or relaxing.

Difficulty Concentrating, Remembering, or Making Decisions:

Depression can affect your ability to concentrate and make decisions. You may have a hard time remembering things or paying attention to details.

Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt:

Depression can cause you to feel like you are a failure or that you have done something wrong. You may feel guilty even when you have done nothing wrong.

Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide:

Depression can cause thoughts of death or suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek help immediately.

Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Activities That You Once Enjoyed:

You may lose interest in things that you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, or social activities. You may also have a decreased sex drive.

It’s important to note that everyone experiences these symptoms differently, and it’s possible to experience only a few of these symptoms and still have depression. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are causing significant distress or interference in your daily life, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider.