There’s no one pattern to depression , and the condition can vary in progression from person to person. Depression symptoms aren’t always as obvious as frequent crying and overwhelming despair. Symptoms may gradually go from mild, such as choosing to stay home to watch TV instead of going out for a walk with a friend, to more severe, such as not getting out of bed to shower or persistent thoughts of suicide . Others may quickly progress from their usual state to a severe depressive episode. “Oftentimes the changes are subtle, and the person may not notice, but their friends and loved ones may,” says Boadie Dunlop, MD , director of the mood and anxiety disorders program in the psychiatry department at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. To help you recognize depression that warrants concern, whether in yourself or a loved one, here are six depression symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Trouble Sleeping Although depression can zap your energy and motivation during the day, a person may often lie awake at night, unable to sleep , says Sarah Altman, PhD , a clinical psychologist in the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. Some people with depression may wake up frequently mid-sleep, or they may find it difficult to get out of bed and may sleep for long periods during the day.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e1f7aeb-ecaf-42c4-a65f-09e69e87fea9 2. Loss of Interest in Favorite Activities Some people turn to hobbies they enjoy when they feel blue, but those with major depression tend to avoid them. If you or someone you know usually loves to garden but can’t muster the energy to go outside, let alone work in the yard, that can be a red flag. This is a symptom of depression known as anhedonia, or loss of interest in pleasure in daily activities or hobbies.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e1f7aeb-ecaf-42c4-a65f-09e69e87fea9 3. Change in Appetite Some people overeat when they’re depressed or anxious, but for people with severe depression, the opposite is often true. Reduced appetite and weight loss can be a symptom of depression, along with food cravings and weight gain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c4c05f99-390c-4eb8-ae7a-96755c29df71 4. Expressions of Guilt Feeling excessive guilt or worthlessness can also be a hallmark of depression. People might feel guilty because they are depressed or aren’t doing enough at home or at work, for example.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e1f7aeb-ecaf-42c4-a65f-09e69e87fea9 5. Unexplained Physical Symptoms Since the body and mind are connected, depression can also start to manifest in physical ways, such as persistent headaches or back pain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c4c05f99-390c-4eb8-ae7a-96755c29df71 6. Talk of Death or Suicide A person who is severely depressed may become preoccupied with thoughts of death, suicide, and other dark topics. For example, they may talk about what things will be like “after I am gone” and may also become more likely to take uncalculated risks.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629608b0dd8-01de-4809-9cce-1ea9b1c13827
The Next Step: Getting Help If you notice any of these serious depression symptoms in yourself or someone you love, reach out and get help. “Depression symptoms are particularly troubling if someone displays more than one or if they persist for more than two weeks,” says Simon Rego, PsyD , a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the chief of psychology at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. In most people, even major depression is a very treatable disorder, with a wide range of medications and psychotherapies that have been shown to work. Psychotherapy may be used alone or in combination with medication to treat depression, depending on the severity.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629db70fd86-7b7b-4914-a535-eae58a3d226e If You’re Experiencing Symptoms If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, here are a few suggestions: Recognize if you’re starting to slip. If you are struggling with new or worsening symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help. If you already have a therapist, reach out to them right away. If you do not have one, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) for a free, confidential referral for treatment. If you’re considering harming yourself, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Ignore incorrect attitudes. The old idea of “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps” is not only outdated, but also not based in science. “If you feel depressed, there is no cause for guilt,” says Diane Solomon, PhD, CNM , a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Portland, Oregon.
If Your Loved One Has Symptoms Watching someone you care for struggle with depression can be agonizing. Here are a few actions you can take to help ease their pain. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help. If your loved one is considering harming themselves or having other dark thoughts, immediate treatment is critical. Go to the nearest emergency room or contact a local mental health provider. You can also call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing 988.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762984dd8de0-9c19-4983-9582-75314e5eb314 Create a safe environment. “If the person expresses suicidal thoughts , remove any potentially lethal items from the home, such as guns,” Dr. Dunlop says. Be kind. “Blaming or chastising depressed people for feeling low or unmotivated is not helpful and typically serves to reinforce negative feelings they already have,” Dunlop says. “Instead, open the discussion in a nonjudgmental way and encourage the person to seek help.” Be willing to support treatment. Offer to help your loved one prepare a list of questions for a provider about depression or drive them to appointments.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290ac0fa40-7584-4478-9f06-307b39e22f0a
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The Takeaway Symptoms of depression can vary widely from person to person, can be mild or severe in nature, and may progress over time. If you’re having symptoms of depression like loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, trouble sleeping, or feelings of guilt or worthlessness, don’t ignore them. Depression is a very treatable condition, and there are resources available to help, including national hotlines, medications, and support groups.
If you or a loved one is experiencing significant distress or having thoughts about suicide and needs support, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. For more help and information, see these Mental Health Resources and Helplines.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: Depression (Major Depressive Disorder): Symptoms & Causes National Institute of Mental Health: Depression American Psychiatric Association: What Is Depression? Anxiety and Depression Association of America: What Is Depression? Mass General Brigham: What Are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Additional Reporting by Erica Patino .