What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression can be described in many ways and has many symptoms, the most prominent being:
- Persistent low mood
- A loss of interest
- Fatigue and lack of energy
You may feel sad and unhappy deep down. You may also feel pessimistic and negative. Perhaps you've lost interest in things that you normally enjoy.
If you suffer from depression you may have lost some of your capacity for happiness, even if something good happens. You may be tired and short of energy. You may also find it hard to think and make decisions.
Who spots the symptoms?
In most cases it is your family and friends who first notice the symptoms of depression. They may, for example, notice that you:
- Look sad
- Talk and move slowly and as little as possible
- Find it hard to make decisions
- Have a poor memory
In other cases depression may manifest itself through nervousness, anxiety or confusion. You may seem really worried about problems that others consider minor. This may be one reason why you and others don't consider the possibility that you may be depressed.
Can the symptoms be physical?
Some types of depression manifest themselves through physical symptoms such as:
- Reduced appetite
- Pain
- Hypochondria / preoccupation with physical health
- Sleep disturbance
The physical symptoms may lead you to suspect a physical illness. You should be aware that many physical illnesses have symptoms like those of depression.
It is also important to note that serious physical illnesses increase your chances of developing depression. When depression arises in connection with a serious physical illness, you are said to be suffering from organic depression.
What are the most frequent symptoms of depression?
While depression can manifest itself in many ways, the following symptoms are most prominent:
- Low mood
- Sadness
- A lack of energy
However, a whole host of other symptoms are also characteristic of the illness. These symptoms form a pattern which, in turn, forms the basis for a diagnosis of depression.
Contact your family physician if you suspect that you are suffering from depression, or if you have unexplained physical symptoms. Your family physician will be able to make a diagnosis and recommend the right treatment.
Read about the symptoms of depression here. On the left, you can click on the symptom you're interested in.
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