Rate this post

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

Most of us have moments of sadness when we feel lonely or depressed. These feelings are usually normal ones that sometimes take place in life. They can be the result of a loss, having a particularly challenging experience, or a reaction to a hurtful remark. When feelings of sadness and being unable to cope overwhelm the person, so much so that they undermine their ability to live a normal life, it is possible that they have what is known as a clinical depression, unipolar depression or possibly major depression. Informally, the condition is simply referred to as depression.

Depression can have a negative impact on a sufferer's life; experts say the effect is comparable to that of chronic conditions.

Depressive symptoms vary significantly between people. The person with depression most commonly feels hopeless, sad and has lost interest in doing the things that were once pleasurable.

What is the difference between a sign and a symptom? A symptom is something felt by the patient, while a sign is detected by other people too.

Below are some signs and symptoms associated with depression:

Psychological signs and symptoms of depression:

• Persistent sadness
• Thoughts and feelings of worthlessness
• Feelings of self-hatred
• A feeling of hopelessness
• A feeling of helplessness
• Feeling like crying
• A feeling of guilt
• Irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Finding it impossible to enjoy life
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Thoughts of suicide
• Persistent worry
• Persistent anxiety

Physical signs and symptoms of depression

• Body movements may be slower than they used to be
• Problems with focusing, the person's concentration span may be reduced
• Speech may be slower than it used to be
• Eating patterns change, appetite changes
• Low sex drive
• Lack of energy, fatigue, tiredness
• Restlessness
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Sleep disturbances

Social signs and symptoms of depression may include:

• Underperforming at work
• Not doing well at school
• Avoiding keeping in touch with friends
• Abandoning hobbies
• Having family problems