Symptoms
A person may be depressed if they have felt sad, down or miserable most of the time, or lost interest in the things they usually enjoy, for more than two weeks and if these symptoms are strong enough to affect how they function on a day-to-day basis.
There are many possible symptoms of depression. Everyone experiences these symptoms from time to time, but when symptoms are severe and long lasting, it’s time to get professional medical help. Possible symptoms include:
- General slowing down or restlessness
- Neglecting responsibilities and not looking after yourself
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Becoming confused, worried and agitated
- Inability to find pleasure in any activity
- Finding it difficult to get motivated in the morning
- Behaving differently from usual
- Denying depressive feelings – this can be used as a defence mechanism
- Indecisiveness
- Loss of self-esteem
- Persistent suicidal thoughts
- Talking negatively – for example: ‘I’m a failure’, ‘ It’s my fault’, ‘Life isn’t worth living’
- Worrying about finances
- Perceived change of status within the family
- Moodiness or irritability – this can come across as anger or aggression
- Sadness, hopelessness or emptiness
- Feeling overwhelmed, worthless or guilty
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Feeling tired all the time
- Unexplained headaches, backache or similar complaints
- Digestive upsets, nausea, changes in bowel habits
- Agitation, hand-wringing, pacing
- Loss or change of appetite
- Significant weight loss or gain.
