Depression Symptoms

How can we tell when we or someone else is depressed? What are depression symptoms? There are different types of depression but the symptoms listed below generallly apply.

 

The two main depression symptoms are:

 

• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest in daily activities

 

Besides at lease one of these two, some of the following would be present for two weeks or more for a diagnosis of depression

 

• Weight change
  Increased weight gain or loss or unexplained changes in weight.

 

• Sleep disturbances
  Sleeping too much or to little, trouble getting to sleep, waking up during the night, not being able to go back to sleep.

 

• Agitation, or slowing of body movements
  Restless, irritable, agitated, easily annoyed, "short fuse." Feeling like bodily movements are slower than usual, lack of vocal inflection.

 

• Fatigue
  Low energy. Weariness, feeling tired upon arrising, low energy level nearly every day. Activities of daily living seem harder.

 

• Feeling worthless
  Random or recurrent thoughts of past mistakes or failures, feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt.

 

• Impaired thinking or concentration
  Inability to concentrate or make decisions, problems with memory (misplacing things, forgetfullness, etc.)

 

• Thoughts of death
  A persistent negative view of self, situation and the future. Thoughts of death, dying or suicide may be present.

 

Because suicidal thinking is often a part of depression, if you or someone you know is depressed, get help. At Bill Jacobs LPCC we work with depressed people.

 

Besides these major symptoms, the following points are often relevant.

 

• Physical symptoms may accompany depression. (See section on depression and illness.)
• Depression can accompany nearly any other mental health problem.(See section on depression and other mental health issues.)
• Depression often manifests differently in children than adults.
  (See Teenage and Child Depression.)
• Various types of depression are marked by variations in symptoms. (See Types of Depression.)

Additional Resources

If you want to read more about the symptoms of depression from a medical website...

 

Another perspective on symptoms can be gained from a general health website...

 

Continue on throught this topic to Depression Types.

 

Return from Depression Symptoms to our Albuquerque counseling website Home Page.