What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
Last Updated on:
March 13, 2025
Find Help For Depression
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression can be the first step towards the healing you deserve.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide, affecting an estimated 280 million people globally according to the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, more than 21 million adults (8.4% of all adults) experience at least one major depressive episode each year.
Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can simply “snap out of” through willpower. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding, attention, and often professional treatment.
Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and causes of depression below.
Early Signs of Depression
Recognizing the early signs of depression can help you seek support before symptoms worsen. These early warning signs might appear gradually and can vary from person to person:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that don’t seem to go away
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, social events, or sexual activity
- Increased irritability, frustration, or agitation over small matters
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Changes in sleep patterns – either insomnia or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite – either reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings and weight gain
- Unexplained physical problems such as headaches or back pain
It’s important to note that experiencing some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are clinically depressed.
These experiences might be temporary responses to life stressors, grief, or other challenging circumstances.
Other conditions such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects can also cause symptoms that mimic depression. This is why professional assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
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Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression can manifest differently in different people, and symptoms can vary widely in both type and severity. Some people may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience many. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and their particular illness.
Psychological Symptoms
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability, or excessive worrying
- Feeling that life isn’t worth living
Physical Symptoms
- Changes in appetite – often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
- Disturbed sleep – usually insomnia, waking in the early hours, or oversleeping
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Digestive problems without clear physical cause
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Heavy, leaden feelings in the arms or legs
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a profound experience that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life.
For many people with depression, it feels like a persistent, oppressive weight that makes even simple tasks seem insurmountable.
Many describe depression as feeling like they’re viewing the world through a dark filter, where joy, pleasure, and connection seem distant or unattainable. Activities that once brought happiness may feel meaningless, and the future may appear bleak or hopeless.
Depression can also manifest as emotional numbness – not feeling sad, but rather feeling nothing at all. This emotional emptiness can be just as distressing as intense sadness. People with depression often describe a sense of disconnection from others, as if they’re separated by an invisible barrier that prevents them from fully engaging in relationships or experiencing intimacy.
Physically, depression can feel like moving through molasses, with every action requiring tremendous effort. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, showering, or preparing meals can feel overwhelming. This physical and mental exhaustion is not relieved by rest, leading to a cycle of fatigue and inactivity that can further deepen depressive feelings.
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Risk Factors for Depression
Depression can affect anyone, but several factors may increase your risk of developing depression:
Biological and Genetic Factors
- Family history of depression
- Major physical illnesses or chronic conditions
- Certain medications
- Brain chemistry imbalances
Psychological Factors
- Trauma or abuse
- Major life changes or stressful events
- Personal history of other mental health disorders
- Substance abuse
Social and Environmental Factors
- Lack of social support
- Isolation or loneliness
- Financial problems
- History of discrimination or disadvantage
Depression in Men
Men with depression may be more likely to experience symptoms such as irritability, anger, or aggressive behavior rather than sadness.
They might engage in reckless behavior, substance abuse, or become consumed with work to avoid addressing emotional issues. Men are often less likely to acknowledge depression or seek help due to social expectations and stigma.
Depression in Women
Depression in women is nearly twice the rate of men. Hormonal factors unique to women, including menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum periods, perimenopause, and menopause, may contribute to this increased risk. Women may be more likely to experience seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, and atypical depression symptoms like increased appetite and weight gain.
Depression Across Age Groups
Depression can affect people of all ages, but symptoms may present differently:
- Children may show symptoms through irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
- Teenagers may exhibit symptoms through irritability, hostility, withdrawal from friends and family, poor academic performance, substance abuse, or self-harm.
- Older adults might show less obvious symptoms or be less likely to acknowledge feelings of sadness. Physical symptoms and memory issues may be more prominent in older adults with depression.
Treating Your Depression
Depression is a treatable condition, and help is available. Most people with depression can feel better with proper treatment.
For diagnosing depression, a doctor will typically conduct a comprehensive assessment looking for specific symptoms. They often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a guide.
To diagnose depression, doctors pay particular attention to two core symptoms:
- During the last month, have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- During the last month, have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things?
If you answer “yes” to either of these questions, your doctor may conduct a more thorough evaluation to determine if you meet the criteria for clinical depression.
Other Depression Treatments
Treatment approaches may include:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or psychodynamic therapy
- Medication such as antidepressants, which may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress
- Lifestyle changes including regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress reduction
- Alternative treatments such as meditation, acupuncture, or supplements (always discuss with your doctor first)
- In severe cases, treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
At Peachtree Wellness, we understand that every individual’s experience with depression is unique. We offer personalized depression treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Our compassionate team will work with you to find the approach that best addresses your symptoms and helps you regain a sense of well-being and purpose.
Find Help For Depression Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, don’t wait to seek help. Depression rarely improves without treatment and may worsen over time.
At Peachtree Wellness, we provide confidential, comprehensive care in a supportive environment.
Contact us today at 770-202-1260 to speak to our admissions coordinators or verify your insurance.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your journey to recovery begins with a single step.
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