What are the symptoms of depression?

Answer 1

Here are contributions from a variety of WikiAnswer users:

There are a lot of symptoms of depression! Here is a list of them. Now, looking at this list, one should never make assumptions and diagnose themself. Leave it to the professionals.

• Loss of interest in normal daily activities
• Feeling sad or down
• Feeling hopeless
• Crying spells for no apparent reason
• Problems with sleeping -- too much or too little sleep
• Change in appetite
• Feeling of constantly guilt/worthless
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Being easily annoyed
• Change in emotions toward people you care about
• Feeling fatigued or weak
• Feeling worthless
• Loss of interest in sex
• Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Unexplained physical problems, such as Back pain or headaches

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.

Symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Crying all the time. Not being able to concentrate. Not getting enough sleep or sleeping all the time with no feelings to do anything except feel the pain that you are feeling. If this is the case with you, why not go and see a doctor, he may be able to answer your question letting you know for sure if you are indeed depressed.

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness - no interest in things formally enjoyed.

In most cases the symptoms of depression are part of a normal human cognitive process of mental healing. Depression exists in all cultures. It is a natural process that the mind uses to restore happiness. For example "Closing yourself off from friends" increases time to think about and fix your problem mentally. "Having trouble concentrating on things you enjoyed before" increases time to think about your problem. Depressed people tend to think more analytically and objectively about problems instead of emotionally, which can causes the depressive symptom of "being emotionally far away, discussing suicide with the same emotional attachment as going to dinner".
There are many symptoms that signify depression. The frequency, duration, and severity of these symptoms will vary depending on the individual. Answers.comSome signs and symptoms that can occur include:Answers.comAnswers.com

• The most common feature of clinical depression is dysphoria, otherwise known as feeling down in the dumps

Anger and/or irritability.

• Persistent sadness, the feeling of being "empty", and anxious.
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia, in particular during the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping which is also known as hypersomnia).
• Loss of interest in everyday activities.
• Appetite or weight changes (a significant weight gain or loss, by more than 5% of body weight).
• Irritability or restlessness.
• Loss of energy.
• Concentration problems.
• Fear of failure.
• Repetition in speech.
• Unexplained aches and pains.
• Frequent thoughts of suicide or death.
• Compulsive-obsessive disorders (such as chewing fingernails).
• Inability to control spending or eating.
• Feeling worthless or ignored.

read more on Depression at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(mood)#Symptoms
Depression is not the same as sadness. Sadness is usually a very common feeling caused by something you're very aware of. "I'm sad because my friend is angry with me," or "My dog's injury has made me sad." It's perfectly understandable and goes away over time. Depression, however, is a feeling of hopelessness that either has unexplained causes or is characterized by persisting for a very long time. The death of a child, for example, can cause an event-generated depression. Therapy can be of great use to sufferers of depression, if not to "cure" it, at least to not compound it with such things as self-blame. Event-oriented depression usually requires the working through some deep and complex emotions. The sufferer of depression caused by chemical imbalance can benefit from (side-stepping the issue of medication) keeping a connection to one's own humanity alive by talking to a caring therapist. A depressed person appears un-animated, sluggish. They may be having an erratic sleep schedule. They may let go of their responsibilities. Their mail and dishes might have piled up. They may stay on the sofa for days upon end. They need help and compassion.

A characteristic of depression is that things that one used to enjoy now have little or no uplifting effect.

Answer 2

Sleep is altered. Either you can't sleep or you sleep too much.

You can�t concentrate. You are distracted from doing the easiest, normal things. Sense of worthlessness and hopelessness. You can�t control your negative thoughts no matter how much you try.

Appetite loss or excessive eating is also a factor. You are constantly on edge and easily irritated. The most dangerous symptom of course is thoughts of suicide.

They vary according to the individual but you should look out for weight loss, loss of appetite, irritability, difficulty sleeping at night, lack of concentration, lack of interest in relationships and general withdrawal from activity.

Answer 3

They vary according to the individual but you should look out for weight loss, loss of appetite, irritability, difficulty sleeping at night, lack of concentration, lack of interest in relationships and general withdrawal from activity.

Answer 4

The symptoms of depression are anxiety, sluggish feeling, tired, aching, sadness, and loneliness. You probably don't want to go out or do anything. Try to get some medication to help with these feelings if you begin to feel worse.

Answer 5

There are a ton of symptoms for depression. I would write down your feelings every day and see if that helps. Also try going out with a few friends or family and have fun. If your symptoms do not go away after a few days though I would consult your doctor a therapist.

Answer 6

Depression is a natural feeling of lonesome. Depression can be coped with surrounding yourself with friends. Some symptoms may include loss of appetite.

Answer 7

There are many symptoms of depression. They can include, a feeling of self-loathing, loneliness, wanting to abstain from company, not enjoying hobbies you once enjoyed.