1. Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood:
This symptom of depression causes an individual to feel a lingering sense of sadness, low energy, listlessness, and hopelessness that does not improve over time. Symptoms may include crying for no apparent reason, feeling like you are in a dark cloud or fog, having difficulty concentrating and feeling a sense of despair.
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed:
This symptom refers to an individual losing the ability to take joy or pleasure in activities that they previously found enjoyable. This can include hobbies, relationships, and work-related tasks. An individual may be seen as lacking motivation and drive even when attempting to engage in activities that used to bring them happiness before becoming depressed.
3. Change in appetite or body weight:
Depression often causes changes in appetite which can range from loss of appetite (anorexia) to overeating (hyperphagia). Changes in body weight can also result from depression, with some individuals losing weight while others gain it depending on their eating habits.
4. Sleep disturbances (insomnia/hypersomnia):
Depression can cause a range of sleeping problems, ranging from insomnia and difficulty falling asleep to excessive sleeping (hypersomnia). Insomnia includes difficulty staying asleep or waking up several times during the night and not being able to get back to sleep. Hypersomnia is when an individual sleeps for abnormally long periods of time throughout the day and night.
5. Agitation/restlessness:
Agitation is characterized by an increase in physical activity, pacing or restlessness that does not result in any productive work. It can also involve irritability, verbal outbursts, nervousness, twitching or shifting positions excessively.
6. Fatigue/loss of energy:
Depression is often accompanied by a lack of energy and fatigue. This can make it difficult to engage in activities due to feeling exhausted or overwhelmed even when there is no physical exertion involved.
7. Guilt feelings, worthlessness and helplessness:
Depressed individuals may feel as though they are worthless, guilty or unable to do anything right. They may also experience feelings of helplessness or an inability to control their life circumstances.
8. Poor concentration and indecisiveness:
Depression can cause difficulty focusing on tasks as well as making decisions due to feeling overwhelmed with negative thoughts and emotions. It may be difficult for the individual to concentrate on work-related tasks or studying for exams due to this lack of focus.
9. Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide:
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide may accompany depression, usually in the form of feeling like a burden on society or close family members, thinking that no one would notice if they were gone or just wishing they could disappear. Suicidal ideation should be taken seriously as it can quickly lead to suicidal actions if not addressed appropriately.
10. Insomnia or hypersomnia:
As mentioned before, depression can cause changes in sleeping patterns which can include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia) as well as excessive sleeping (hypersomnia). When these symptoms appear together with other depressive symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.