Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Life is filled with ups and downs. Often we experience sadness because of the seemingly endless struggles of life or due to certain losses, setbacks or disappointments. However, in the normal course of life, we get back on track and get on with our lives. But, if these feelings of sadness and despair just don’t go away, or if these feelings become so intense that they begin to interfere with our enjoyment of our daily life, ability to work, study, eat and sleep – then it can be said that one is suffering from Depression.

There are several signs of depression. With the help of this list of depression symptoms, one can identify if one is suffering from depression and seek professional help. Let us have a look at the various symptoms of depression.

• A depressed person normally feels quite dull, listless and apathetic about life. He feels sad and hopeless and often goes through all the daily aspects of life as if he is going through the motions.
• Another sign of depression is that he finds that he cannot enjoy all the various aspects of his life like he did before. He can’t seem to enjoy his hobbies and social life like he used to.
• One of the depression symptoms is change in appetite patterns – some depressed people tend to overeat and cause weight gain, while some depressed people tend to lose interest in food and lose weight.
• Just like eating, depression can be seen in the change in sleeping patterns as well – some depressed people tend to lose sleep and suffer from insomnia, while others seem to sleep more than usual and suffer from hypersomnia.
• Sometimes depressed people seem to yo-yo between two ends – either they are all keyed up and anxious, or they feel totally sluggish and lack responsiveness to any activity.
• One of the signs of depression is fatigue. Depression causes one to feel tired and drained of energy at all times.
• And here is one of the important symptoms of depression – one is full of self-loathing and guilt. Even small things seem too big and matter a lot. This may even manifest into feeling suicidal.
• Depressed people find it hard to concentrate. They cannot focus or take decisions. Often, they cannot remember simple things.
• Depression also causes irritability. Depressed people get angry easily, and are grouchy and get frustrated by small things.
• Depression can also manifest into physical pain in the form of headaches, backaches, diarrhea, constipation, aching joints or even abdominal pain.
• People going through depression often have distorted thoughts. Everything looks bleak to them. They tend to obsess over small things and blow things out of proportion.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.