Depression - Common Depression Symptoms

Depression

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there's nothing you can do to improve your situation.

• Loss of interest in daily activities. You don't care anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You've lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

• Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

• Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.

• Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

• Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

• Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

• Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

• Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

• Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.