Signs of Depression

The signs of depression are many and varied. Depression is much more than a feeling of sadness; it is a medical condition that may cause severe, prolonged symptoms and significantly disrupt a person’s daily functioning.

Depression is thought to be the most common mental health condition in the world, with almost one in five Americans alone experiencing a depressive episode in their lifetime. Though the condition is widespread, it may be difficult to recognize. Symptoms of depression may be masked by physical complaints or substance abuse, or hidden because of one’s fear of being stigmatized. Signs of depression may go unnoticed, and the condition is thought to be underdiagnosed, particularly in primary health care settings.

General signs of depression

Symptoms of depression may vary by age and sex, but a list of some of the more common signs of a depressive episode may include:

• Persistent low mood; feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness or even irritability, frustration and anger
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable; this can include sex
• Excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Trouble concentrating and making decisions
• Memory problems
• Talking or moving more slowly than usual
• Restlessness or trouble sitting still
• Disrupted sleep patterns, including difficulty falling asleep, not being able to sleep through the night, waking up early or sleeping too much (excessive sleeping)
• Changes in appetite and/or weight, there may be an increase or loss of appetite and weight
• Persistent headaches, other body pains, or digestive trouble without a clear physical trigger
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Other, less obvious signs of depression may include:

• Anxiety
• Ruminative thinking: this refers to repetitive negative thoughts or brooding about distressing experiences or thoughts
• Self-harming, e.g. cutting oneself
• Substance abuse and addiction, including heavy drinking and smoking

Signs of depression are typically present for more than two weeks. If you think that you might have signs of depression, you should reach out to the nearest psychologist to find out more about your symptoms.

Good to know: Depression varies in form and severity, and not everyone will experience all of the above symptoms. For example, a person may have several of the above signs of depression, but not sadness specifically.

There are many different types of depression, and the condition may occur together with several other health conditions – mental and otherwise. For example, depression may co-occur with an anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or a personality disorder, or diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions. The relationship between depression and other conditions is complex.

Sometimes, symptoms that appear to be related to depression may be indicators of another condition. For example, a person may develop apparent signs of depression due to a physical condition like hypothyroidism, which should get better with treatment, or another mental health condition like bipolar disorder. It is important to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

When to get help

It is important not to ignore signs of depression, particularly if they seem to be getting worse. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is recommended.

Depression is considered a treatable condition. For information on depression tests, diagnosis, and treatment, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, see the resource on depressive episodes.

If a person shows signs of crisis – obvious indicators that they are strongly affected by depression or at risk of suicide – it is important to call a doctor, emergency services provider, or suicide prevention helpline without delay.

Signs of depression in women

Females seem to be more likely than males to experience depression, probably due to biological, hormonal, and social factors, and some of the signs of depression may differ between the sexes. For example, women with depression may be more likely than men to experience the symptoms of excessive guilt and anxiety.

Other signs of depression that may be more likely to be present in women include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Sleeping too much
• Lack of energy

Some types of depression are unique to women. These include depression experienced as part of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and perimenopausal depression. Perinatal depression, including postpartum depression, is strongly associated with women, though new parents of any gender can experience it. Women experiencing symptoms of depression are advised to consult a medical practitioner about treatment options, including psychotherapy and medication.

Signs of PMDD

It is estimated that between five and eight percent of women experience a severe form of premenstrual syndrome called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Signs of PMDD may include symptoms of depression, such as low mood, ruminative thinking or obsessive thoughts, irritability and suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, joint and muscle pain, as well as headaches, bloating, and breast tenderness, among others.

Signs of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a type of perinatal depression that may occur in the year after having a baby.

Postpartum depression goes far beyond the mild “baby blues” that many new mothers experience for four to 10 days after giving birth, and can interfere with the new mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby.

Signs of perinatal depression may include anxiety, extreme worries about the well-being of the baby, severe sadness and exhaustion, among other typical symptoms of depression. These signs may begin during the third trimester. Perinatal depression is relatively common.

Signs of perimenopausal depression

During perimenopause – the transition to menopause – some women may experience depression. To an extent, mood swings, sleep difficulties, and physical symptoms like hot flashes may be normal during this time, but anxiety, irritability, extreme sadness, and other depressive symptoms may be signs of perimenopausal depression. If you think that you might have signs of depression, try searching for a psychologist’s doctor to find out more about your symptoms.

Signs of depression in men

While men are less likely than women to experience depression, it is still a serious health problem that affects a large number of males. Men are statistically less likely to acknowledge their depression or seek help and treatment. Furthermore, men with depression are at a greater risk of suicide than women, which may be related to problematic societal norms and pressures.

Signs of depression in men may include:

• Irritability or anger
• Agitation
• Behavioral changes, e.g. becoming controlling or violent
• Tiredness
• Loss of interest in work, family, or hobbies
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight loss
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches, chronic pain, and digestive problems
• Substance abuse; including alcohol
• Risk-taking, e.g. unsafe driving or unsafe sex

Despite a loss of interest in work or loss of concentration and attention, some men with depression may work longer hours than usual, possibly to avoid showing signs of the condition.

While the signs of depression may differ slightly between men and women, treatment is generally the same and typically includes talking to a mental health professional and taking antidepressant medication where recommended. Men experiencing symptoms of depression are advised to consult a medical practitioner. If you think that you might have signs of depression, try using the Adoctor search to find out the nearest doctor.

Signs of depression in teens and young adults

Teenagers can also experience depression, but it may be difficult for their caregivers to recognize the symptoms, and many cases go undiagnosed and untreated. Signs of depression in teens and young adults may differ somewhat from those in adults, and may include the following:

• Seeming annoyed by everything and everyone
• Being argumentative and picking fights
• Responding to minor provocations with emotional outbursts
• A much stronger than usual need for social connection and social validation
• Promiscuity, substance abuse, and risky behaviors
• Difficulties with school work
• Sleep disturbances, particularly sleeping too much

Other, more typical signs of depression, such as fatigue and loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable, are very often present. It is important to distinguish normal teenage behaviors from teen depression. Significant changes in mood, together with changes in functioning, like serious social or school problems, indicate that a healthcare professional should be consulted.

If a teenager shows signs of suicidal thoughts or actions, it is vital to take these seriously, and it is of the utmost importance to call a healthcare professional or suicide prevention hotline without delay.

Signs of depression in children

Younger children can also experience depression. However, because their behavior may change as they go through different childhood stages, and because they may exhibit different signs of depression compared to adults, it can be difficult for caregivers to recognize that a child is depressed.

Signs of depression in children may include:

• Clinging to caregivers
• Pretending to be ill and refusing to go to school
• Getting into trouble at school
• Being irritable and negative
• Being argumentative and picking fights
• Responding to minor provocations with outbursts of emotions
• Showing excessive anxiety about caregivers passing away
• Excessive sulking
• Excessive crying or tantrums
• Experimenting with alcohol or drugs
• Displaying a lack of care for things they used to value highly

Other more typical signs of depression in adults, such as sleep disturbances, tiredness, changes in appetite, and loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable, maybe less commonly present in children with depression.

The symptoms of depression may interfere with the child’s ability to partake in social activities, complete schoolwork, and enjoy family life. If a caregiver notices that their child’s behavior and day-to-day functioning has changed significantly, it is recommended that they speak to a healthcare professional.

Like people of other age groups, children can show signs of suicidal thoughts or actions. If a caregiver suspects that a child is at risk of harm, they should contact a healthcare professional or suicide prevention helpline immediately.

Signs of depression in the elderly (geriatric depression)

Despite depression being more prevalent than dementia among the elderly, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Some of the signs of depression in older people may be different from those considered typical, and they may be mistaken for indications of other conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease. Depression in older adults is sometimes called geriatric depression.

In addition to manifestations like irritability, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes, signs of depression in the elderly may include:

• Anxiety
• Aches, pains, and other physical symptoms
• Neglecting self-care
• Confusion and agitation
• Difficulty getting up in the morning
• Behaving uncharacteristically
• Alluding to a depressed or anxious mood with vague language (e.g. talking about their “nerves”)

A senior citizen experiencing symptoms of depression is advised to consult a medical practitioner about treatment options, including psychotherapy and medication. If you think that you might have signs of depression, please don’t hesitate to go to the doctor.

Types of depression

There are several different types of depression and conditions that cause depressive symptoms. These include:

• Major depression. Also called clinical or unipolar depression, major depressive disorder, or just depression, this is the most commonly diagnosed form
• Dysthymia (a form of persistent depressive disorder). A milder, long-lasting form of depression
• Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: Symptoms of depression that are triggered by a major life stressor, like moving house or becoming unemployed
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Depression affects some people seasonally, typically in the colder, darker months
• Bipolar disorder. A mental health condition characterized by periods of depression and mania

A person may experience a depressive episode as part of a chronic depressive condition, as repetitive bouts of depression, or as an isolated occurrence. For information on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of depression, see this resource on depressive episodes.

It is important to note that depressive symptoms may be a feature of other health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and hypothyroidism, among others. Depressive symptoms may also be more likely to co-occur with certain conditions, such as diabetes, or chronic pain due to inflammatory joint conditions.

Signs of a bipolar depressive episode

Previously known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a condition that can cause extreme shifts in mood. A person may experience periods of deep depression, where they feel very low, and periods of mania, where they feel very high. When a person with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive phase, they may have many of the signs of depression detailed above.