Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of Depression

One of the tell-tale signs of depression is a profound feeling of emptiness or sadness. But many people also experience physical symptoms along with emotional ones—a persistent backache or trouble sleeping, for example.

In general, if you've been experiencing some combination of the following emotional or physical symptoms for more than two weeks, you should discuss them with your doctor:

Emotional symptoms:

Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day (feeling miserable)
Feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
Feeling stressed or nervous.
Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities
Feeling sometimes that life isn't worth living.
Feeling life is unfair.
Feeling lack of self confidence.
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or self-hatred
Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
Feeling Irritability or angry more than ususal
Thoughts of death or suicide

Physical symptoms:

Fatigue or lack of energy (exhausted)
Sleep problems (e.g., insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Change in appetite or weight
Vague aches and pains (e.g., joint or muscle pains)
Stomach ache and digestive problems

Don't let this list of symptoms scare you. Treatments are available that can help you ease and even eliminate the emotional and physical effects of depression.

A note about suicidal thoughts— Not everyone with depression thinks about death or suicide, but it's important to take such thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately: Call your doctor; go to the emergency room; call 911; or call the national hotline, (800) SUICIDE (800-784-2433).

Latest Information on Depression Symptoms