How to Notice the Signs of Depression
The signs of depression can mimic those of other medical conditions and may also go unnoticed or ignored leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The effects of untreated depression can be devastating and when depression signs are not addressed, a person's symptoms can escalate, leading to suicide.

What Are the Key Depression Signs?

There is a huge range of symptoms that can be noticed in a person suffering from depression but two key ones that are used to diagnose this mental health condition are:

  • Depressed mood
  • Loss of interest in normal activities

A depressed mood usually involves feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt. If a person is crying a great deal, especially when this isn't preceded by the 'normal' grief from bereavement, for example, there is a possibility that depression is present. Loss of interest also occurs in activities that were once normal and perhaps a source of pleasure. The low mood combined with a loss of interest is usually a sign of depression when they have been occurring for two or more weeks.

Sleeping

If you are sleeping a great deal or having difficulty falling or staying asleep, this can be one sign of depression. Some people find they awaken early and can't get back to sleep or awaken during the night frequently.

Eating

You may be experiencing an increase or decrease in appetite, especially in relation to stressful thinking or events. Weight gain or loss can occur and this may also be a sign of depression.

Thinking

People who are depressed often have changes in their thought patterns and concentration. You may feel that your thinking is 'fuzzy' or clouded and that you have difficulty focusing, remembering things or making any kinds of decisions.

Irritable

Another sign of depression is irritability, where you may find that you are agitated and annoyed easily. You may even wonder where these feelings come from and may struggle to pinpoint any trigger for your annoyance. Other signs include restlessness, anger and a general mood of aggravation.

Exhaustion

Fatigue and exhaustion are signs of depression. You may feel that it's difficult just to get out of bed each morning. Lack of energy may be common as well as a constant state of tiredness and weariness. Some people describe the sensation as being in 'slow motion.' A person's voice may even take on a lacklustre tone. Mental fatigue is also common, with the feeling of being 'drained' or overwhelmed.

Poor Self-Esteem

Many people have various realistic issues around how they view themselves, but people who are depressed tend to have a clouded negative self-image. Rather than seeing faults and attributes, they see only faults. They may suffer from guilt and may experience paranoia that others see only as their negative traits.

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Reduced Interest in Sex

People who have normally experienced a healthy sex drive prior to depression may find they have a sudden decrease in their drive and interest to have sex. Loss of sexual interest is a common sign of depression and can also increase feelings of anxiety and stress.

Suicidal Thoughts

A dangerous sign of depression is when a person begins to contemplate suicide. When self-esteem and self-image are poor, a person may feel hopeless about the future and may contemplate suicide. Signs of suicidal thinking are talking frequently about death and withdrawing from friends and family. A person may also quit their job and begin to 'tie up loose ends.'

Signs In Different Population Groups

Elderly, adolescents and children often show signs of depression that aren't common to most adults. The behavioural symptoms may be exhibited differently or even hidden by other conditions. Elderly often have additional age-related health conditions that may mimic the signs of depression. Children may act out in school, obtain poor marks and show social difficulties in getting along with other children.

The signs of depression may be quite obvious or they can be subtle; in fact, a depressed person may feel extreme guilt and can try to hide the signs of depression behind a false mask of happiness. If you find that you or a loved one has been experiencing several of the signs of depression for more than a couple of weeks, it's best to see a doctor and receive a medical diagnosis. There are many treatment options currently available and they can successfully treat depression. By learning about the signs of depression, you can better identify if you or a loved one needs medical assistance. Treatment is available and the first step is to identify the signs of depression so that you can look forward to a healthy and happy future.