Key Takeaways
- Depression can manifest through emotional, mental, and physical symptoms that last over two weeks.
- Common emotional symptoms include persistent sadness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness.
- Physical symptoms may involve fatigue, sleep issues, and unexplained body pain.
- Behavioral changes, such as withdrawal from social interactions and loss of motivation, can also indicate depression.
- Seek help if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms and struggles to function in daily life.
Depression – Symptoms and Treatments
How do you know if you’re suffering from depression?
A diagnosis of depression can be very vague, and you may not really be sure yourself. You may be full of self-doubt. You may wonder if you are just tired or fatigued. You may feel angry at someone. You may feel irritable for any reason. Or you may just feel run down.
Perhaps you’re coming down with something. Maybe it’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia or some other sickness. You feel miserable, you probably feel sorry for yourself, and you don’t know what to do or where to turn to fix yourself.
Depression can look different from person to person, but there are some common emotional, mental, and physical symptoms. If these last more than two weeks and interfere with daily life, it may be clinical depression.
Common emotional & mental depression symptoms
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Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
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Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
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Feeling numb or emotionally flat
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Low self-esteem, guilt, or feeling like a burden
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Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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Feeling worthless or helpless
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Thoughts about death or suicide
Physical depression symptoms
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Fatigue or low energy almost every day
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Sleep problems (insomnia or sleeping too much)
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Changes in appetite or weight
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Headaches, stomach aches, or unexplained body pain
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Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
Behavioral depression symptoms
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Withdrawing from friends and family
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Avoiding responsibilities or daily activities
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Loss of motivation
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Increased use of alcohol or substances
When to seek help
If you or someone you know:
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Feels this way most days for 2+ weeks
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Can’t function at work, school, or home
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Has thoughts of self-harm or suicide
It’s important to reach out to a doctor, therapist, or trusted person.
If you’re in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency number or a suicide crisis line right away.