Depression symptomsmay be different in different people.
Depression Symptoms and Signs
TheDSM-5recognizes severaldifferent types of depressive disorders.
Depression is very treatable withmedication,talk therapy, or a combination of the two.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Depressed Mood
Depressed mood is consistent with both major depression and persistent depressive disorder.
A person with a depressed mood may report feelingsador “empty,” or may cry frequently.
Having a low mood is one of the two core symptoms which is used to diagnose depression.
People with PDD experience a depressed mood more days than not for at least two years.
As with MDD, children with PDD may appear more irritable than depressed.
However, for a PDD diagnosis, they must experience this for at least one year.
Anhedonia is different fromapathy.
It is not uncommon for a person to experience apathy and anhedonia simultaneously.
For some people, this means aloss of appetite.
You may have to force yourself to eat because eating has completely lost its appeal.
Or maybe you simply don’t have the energy to prepare meals.
Feelings of sadness or worthlessness can also lead toovereating.
In these instances, food is typically being used as a coping mechanism.
One study followed thousands of men and women for a period of 11 years.
Hunger is a biological need to eat while appetite is simply to desire to eat.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbanceis present in as many as 90% of people with depression.
It can take the form of either difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping excessively (hypersomnia).
Insomnia is the most common and is estimated to occur in approximately 80% of people with depression.
With insomnia, people may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
This is more likely in younger people.
Sleep issues can be both acause of depressionand a symptom of depression.
Psychomotor Disturbances
Psychomotor skills are skills where movement and thinking are combined.
Psychomotor disturbance is typically classified as either psychomotor agitation or psychomotor retardation.
Fatigue
Chronic feelings offatiguecan be a symptom of both persistent depressive disorder and major depressive disorder.
Maybe you don’t feel well enough to take care of your children or tend to your housework.
The fatigue that comes with clinical depression can sometimes feel overwhelming.
You may think of yourself in unappealing and unrealistic ways, such as feeling as if you are worthless.
You may also find that have trouble letting a past mistake go, resulting in feelings of guilt.
Excessive, inappropriate guilt and feelings of worthlessness are common symptoms of major depressive disorder.
Difficulty Concentrating
Both major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder involve difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
This effect has been found especially in older adults.
They may notice that they’re having trouble processing thoughts quickly and attribute their symptoms to cognitive decline.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than nine million adult Americans have suicidal thoughts annually.
Additionally, these thoughts are highest for those between the ages of 18 and 25.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
However, it’s best to speak to a healthcare provider if your child shows any signs of depression.
You will likely notice changes in their academic performancethey may even skip school altogether.
Teens also may startself-harming, using drugs or alcohol, changing their appearance, and/or neglecting their personal hygiene.
Depression symptoms will be persistent and your teen will feel overwhelmed or unable to handle life.
Depression Symptoms in Older Adults
Sadness may not be the primary symptom ofdepression in older adults.
Often, the illness triggers depression, especially in people who arebiologically vulnerableto the disorder.
It’s not uncommon for people with depression to live with two disorders or illnesses at once.
This is known as acomorbidity.
For instance, someone with chronic pain may become depressed (and vice versa).
Similarly,substance use disordersand depression often coexist.
Here, we debunk these misconceptions.
Nor is it your fault or something you might simply snap out of on your own.
Its a real disease that requires proper treatment.
Butphysical symptomsare also a reality for many people living with depression.
This can include fatigue, body aches, headaches, and digestive troubles.
One study notes that depression symptoms in women may be more obvious than depression symptoms in men.
Children and adolescents can also be at risk for depression.
How Do I Know I Need Help?
Depression can make it hard to enjoy life fully, but you don’t have to suffer needlessly.
Effective help is available.
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