Signs of Depression
Struggling with a low mood after a disappointment or when under unusual amounts of stress is a normal human emotion. In the right situation, it can even be healthy. How to get diagnosed with depression is more than just having the blues, though. It’s accompanied by certain, very specific signs and symptoms that manifest in behavioral or physical ways. Mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make a clinical depression diagnosis.
“Depression looks different in everyone, but there are some key signs to look out for. These can include, but are not limited to: general feelings of sadness which can last for a long period of time that can seemingly come on for no reason, hopelessness, loss of interest in things that you normally like to do, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns. For some, there’s increased fatigue and for others there’s insomnia. There can be changes in appetite, uncontrollable emotions, and feeling withdrawn.”
— Reshawna Chapple, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), PhD
A drastic change in behavior can be a sign that you’re experiencing a major depressive episode. Being in a depressed mood can make you lose the ability to feel pleasure, even in activities you once enjoyed. In cases of severe depression, uncontrollable crying and/or emotional outbursts can occur. This pendulum swing of behaviors that range from being completely drained of energy, to having feelings of anxiety or restlessness, are great examples of how a depressive symptom can affect your life in different ways.
The main signs of depression include (but aren’t limited to):
- Changes in sleep — sleeping too long or not enough
- Onset of acute insomnia
- Moodiness and/or irritability that’s a reflection of sadness
- Loss of hope
- Loss of appetite
- Overindulging in food
- Substance abuse
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
- Having an overwhelming sense of sadness
- Feeling lonely, despair, or other sedating moods
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression can be found in behaviors, thought patterns, emotions, physical, and mental health.
Behavioral pattern symptoms of depression can look like:
- Not wanting to socialize or go out
- Withdrawing
- Change in work habits
- Using alcohol and drugs
- Having difficulty concentrating
Thought pattern symptoms of depression can cause you to have thoughts like:
- You’re worthlessness
- Everything’s your fault
- You’re a failure
- Others would be better off without you
- Life isn’t worth living
Emotional symptoms of depression can cause you to have feelings like:
- Unhappiness
- Guilt
- Overwhelmed
- Frustration
- Sadness
- Disappointment
- No confidence
- Irritability
- Indecisiveness
- Misery
Physical symptoms of depression may include:
- Vague aches and pains, such as headaches
- Moving, talking, or thinking more slowly
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Insomnia or other sleep issues
It’s also important to know about the behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms that can impact how you think and the decisions you make. These mental depression symptoms include difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, pessimistic attitudes, and repetitive or intrusive thoughts.
“Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, anger, or irritability, loss of interest in doing activities or being around people, difficulty concentrating, poor hygiene, and frequent headaches or body aches. Sometimes depression can affect people’s productivity, their feelings of self-worth, and their self-esteem. Know that if you’re experiencing these symptoms, help is out there, and there is hope that you can heal.”
— Reshawna Chapple, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), PhD
What Causes Depression?
Scientists have long searched for answers to the question: what is depression caused by. They’ve discovered that people who are depressed have brain differences relative to non-depressed people.
Hippocampus link: A small area of the brain called the hippocampus is very important for memory storage. It’s also a storage center for serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a brain chemical called a neurotransmitter that allows for communication across brain cells. Serotonin levels are associated with both mood and sleep regulation.
Some studies have associated a smaller hippocampus with depression, and one theory suggests this might be because less mass of the hippocampus would accommodate fewer serotonin receptors.
Yet the question remains, is the smaller hippocampus the cause, or the effect, of depression? Scientists don’t quite know why people with depression may have a smaller hippocampus. Though more research still needs to be done, there definitely does appear to be a link between the two.
Serotonin levels: Still, it’s widely accepted that low levels of serotonin can be a contributor to a depressed mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) used as depression treatment are effective because they increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Recent research is now looking at the connection between emotional processing and serotonin. This research will better our understanding of how to treat depression as well as manage it.
Cortisol: Other research suggests a link between depression and excessive production of a stress hormone called cortisol. It’s possible that overexposure to cortisol has a shrinking effect on the hippocampus, which might contribute to depression as described above.
There are numerous other regions of the brain to consider as well. There’s no doubt that depression is a complex mental health disorder, so it might be unlikely that any single brain structure would be fully responsible. It’s more likely that various areas of the brain are affected by different stimuli in different ways, all contributing to depression in some people.
“While depression can sometimes be linked to an “obvious” trigger, it’s important to remember that depression can be more subtle at times. It doesn’t have to be one significant event that causes depression. If you’re experiencing depressive symptoms, it’s important to take them seriously and know that you can get support.”
— Jill Daino, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R), BC-TMH
8 Most Common Depression Triggers
What is depression caused by? Let’s take a closer look at some of the common factors that may contribute to the development of severe or mild depression. One or more of these triggers can cause depression.
Most people are affected by a combination of factors. It’s important to note that exposure to any of the following will not cause depression symptoms in everyone. Only some people will ever develop depression, even when exposure to known causes is equivalent.
High-stress events
It’s possible to slip into severe or mild depression after a highly stressful event like the loss of a loved one, a painful divorce, or the unexpected loss of fortune. If you’ve recently experienced a traumatic or difficult situation that you’re finding hard to deal with, make sure you communicate with your family and loved ones. Give yourself time to wrap your mind around what happened. Be open and honest about your feelings.
Personality type
Some people are just more prone to depressive traits, like poor self-esteem or being excessively self-critical. You may be experiencing the symptoms of depression because of your genetic makeup, negative experiences you had during childhood, or a combination of both. This type of depression is likely to occur in young adults. Teen depression and lack of self-esteem has been resulting from social media.
Family history of depression
If you grew up around family members who had a depressed mood, it could have affected your formative years, ultimately making you more inclined to exhibit depressive symptoms.
Researchers from Temple University note that having a family history of clinical depression (major depressive disorder, or MDD) can be a risk factor for experiencing depressive episodes yourself.
Becoming a mother
Women experience dramatic hormonal and physical changes during and after pregnancy. Sometimes, hormonal fluctuations, combined with the new responsibilities of motherhood, can prove overwhelming, possibly causing postpartum depression or an anxiety disorder.
Being lonely
For many people, it can be very difficult to not have social support. Being in a low mood such as feelings of isolation and loneliness that result from lack of contact with family and friends can make you more prone to developing depression.
Drinking and using illicit substances
Some people attempt to numb or navigate their feelings by drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs. While this may offer some short-term symptom relief, this method of self-treatment will almost always lead to negative results like substance abuse. Nobody has ever successfully defeated depression using drugs or alcohol as a treatment option.
Research from the University of Otago suggests there’s a link between major depressive disorder and substance abuse. The study further claims that with increased alcohol usage, there is an increased risk of depression.
An existing medical condition
Various medical and physical health conditions can contribute to depression. Many people notice feelings of depression after receiving a serious health diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or any other major or life-threatening health condition could be devastating enough to spark mild to severe depression.
Cranial injury
A serious head injury can trigger emotional problems, mood swings, and depression. Head trauma can disrupt various brain regions, any of which may contribute to depression and a low mood.
What Are the Different Types of Depression?
There are many forms of depression. Your depression type can lead to a different depression symptom, and some symptoms may even overlap or seem similar to others. It’s important to understand the various types of depression and the symptoms that are common to each if you think you may be depressed.
Though depression can come in many forms, the following are some of the most commonly experienced types.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Sometimes referred to as clinical depression, major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder where those affected typically have depressive symptoms almost all day, virtually every day. It’s important to note that just like a mental health condition, MDD is not situational. Even if you have a very full life with loving relationships and a great career you can be diagnosed with MDD.
So, what does depression feel like? A typical depression symptom can occur for several weeks or even months. Sometimes MDD is one single episode, and other times it’s something people deal with for years or their entire life.
Major depressive disorder symptoms may include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping excessively
- Consistent and overwhelming worry or anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Overeating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling unable to make decisions
- Feeling despondent
- New or unexplained pain
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Feeling worthless
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) was once commonly known as dysthymic disorder. This chronic depression lasts for two years or more. It typically won’t feel quite as debilitating as major depressive disorder, but it can still have a major impact on your life, relationships, and daily function. The severity of PDD can range from mild, to moderate, to severe depression.
Even with brief reprieves of symptoms (usually two months or less), symptoms typically return and can be quite disruptive. Because PDD symptoms can occur for such a long period, it’s not unusual for those with it to start feeling like they’re having regular behavior and thought patterns.
Symptoms of PDD or dysthymic disorder can include:
- Low mood
- Feeling angry
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling hopeless
- Feelings of guilt
- Having low self-esteem
- Having a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Excessive sleeping
- Having a hard time falling or staying asleep
- General fatigue
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Change in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawing from social activities
Bipolar disorder (previously referred to as manic depression)
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that results in large mood swings. Those with this bipolar depression will experience periods of mania (extreme highs) that often alternate with depressive periods (extreme lows).
There is an increased risk of suicide with bipolar disorder, and those who have the most severe form may experience delusions and hallucinations. Symptoms may differ, depending on if someone is having a manic or depressive episode.
Symptoms of a bipolar manic episode can include:
- Unusually high levels of energy
- Increased irritability
- Feeling a lack of need for sleep
- Grandiose thinking
- Inflated sense of self-importance
- Racing thoughts
- Fast speech
- Increased risky behavior, including with multiple sexual partners and activity
- Self-destructive behavior
- Feelings of euphoria
Symptoms of a bipolar depressive episode can include:
- Unusually low mood levels
- Feeling empty
- Sleeping too much
- Feeling fatigued or a lack of energy
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Suicidal thoughts
Postpartum depression (PPD)
It’s clinically referred to as major depressive disorder with peripartum onset, and PPD is experienced in the weeks before and up to months after giving birth. It’s known as perinatal depression when the symptoms occur during pregnancy, and postpartum when they occur after birth. While it’s largely women who have PPD, some men also become depressed during this time.
Symptoms of PPD can include:
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Exhaustion
- Anger
- Rage
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Severe mood swings
- Feeling inadequate
- Appetite changes
- Excessive worry about the baby’s health
- Having a difficult time caring for yourself
- Having a difficult time caring for the new baby
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Thoughts of harming the baby
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is an extreme and severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD tends to have more psychological symptoms, whereas PMS on its own can have both psychological as well as physical symptoms. With PMDD, the psychological symptoms are more extreme, however. High emotions (similar to what you may experience with PMS) may present as a more intense sadness or depression that actually hinders daily functioning when you have PMDD.
PMDD is thought to be caused by hormonal changes (like PMS) but can become so severe that some women experience thoughts of suicide in some cases.
Symptoms of PMDD can include:
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Cramps and bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Anger
- Binge eating and/or food cravings
- Extreme mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty focusing
- General lack of energy
- Being overly self-critical
- Thoughts of suicide
Depressive psychosis
Depressive psychosis, or depression with psychosis, occurs when someone with major depression experiences a loss of touch with reality. Delusions and hallucinations are common during depressive episodes. Depressive psychosis is clinically known as a major depressive disorder with psychotic features.
For people who have depressive psychosis, these experiences are very realistic. They’re unable to recognize that what they think or feel is happening is not true or based on reality.
Symptoms of depressive psychosis can include any of the following, with the inclusion of delusions or hallucinations:
- Exhaustion
- Sleep disruption
- Severe change in appetite
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Being indecisive
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death
- Thoughts of suicide
Symptoms of psychosis can include:
- Hallucinations involve hearing, seeing, smelling, feeling, or tasting things that aren’t real. For example, thinking someone is there when they aren’t or hearing voices that aren’t really there.
- Delusions are when someone has thoughts or beliefs that are untrue or illogical.
- Sleeping more than normal
- Bouts of insomnia
- Negative body image
- Increasingly being sensitive to rejection
- Difficulty accepting criticism
- Pains or aches
- Excessive eating
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Feeling pressure or weighed down
- Having excessively reactive moods
“Depression can be much more than just feeling sad or having a difficult time getting out of bed. If you find yourself feeling more irritable than normal, or if things you used to enjoy simply aren’t fun anymore, you may want to consider talking with a mental health professional and getting screened for depression.”
— Liz Kelly, Licensed and Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
How To Know What Kind of Depression You Have
Do you wonder if you have any of the forms of depression discussed here? Take our depression test to find out if you may have typical depression symptoms. Keep in mind that depression can have different effects on different people, so if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve covered and you feel like they’re beginning to interfere with your life, it may be time to get help.
Reaching out to your doctor or a care provider who works with people who have a mental health condition is the first step. They can guide you in the direction of where to seek treatment, whether through in-person or online therapy. Depression treatment is available, and with the right guidance and support, you can learn how to manage depression and return to living a full and productive life.
“Depression can make you feel hopeless, but there are a lot of different strategies and treatments available to ease symptoms of depression. Talking with a mental health professional can help you figure out a unique plan to improve and maintain your mental wellness.”
— Liz Kelly, Licensed and Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Managing Symptoms of Depression
While there’s no cure if you’re diagnosed with severe depression, there are many ways you can learn to manage the signs and symptoms of depression.
Treatment plan: The right depression treatment option can result in a much-improved quality of life. Any depression treatment program must begin with an understanding of what depression is. Part of how to treat depression comes from being clear about which signs and symptoms of depression you’re most vulnerable to.
Avoid the stigma: It’s so important that you avoid internalizing any negative connotations or cultural stigmas associated with depression or any other mental health condition. Many people suffer in silence and never seek a treatment option because they fear what others might think. Feelings of shame shouldn’t prevent you from getting the help you need. You deserve to live a healthy, happy life, and treating your depression can help you do that.
Learn everything you can: Educate yourself and those around you to help create a culture of awareness and recovery. Learn more about the different types of therapy for depression along with the different natural remedies for depression. Depression is a common, very treatable condition, and with early detection and ongoing treatment, you can gain control over symptoms and go back to enjoying your life.
“Some of the best ways to manage depression are focusing on lifestyle changes. For example, making sure you’re getting in some movement daily, adhering to a sleep schedule, and eating a healthy balanced diet. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, don’t wait to reach out to a licensed therapist or psychiatrist so you can explore what’s been going on and discuss ways you can begin to feel better. You deserve help.”
— Reshawna Chapple, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), PhD
Clinical treatment options may include:
- Individual therapy
- Talk therapy
- Online therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication
- Community support groups
- Specific therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and or holistic therapies that focus on treating the whole person
When to Seek a Professional
When depression symptoms last for 2 weeks or longer, you should seek the help of a mental health professional. This could be a psychotherapist, a psychiatrist, mental health counselor, or as a first step, your healthcare provider.
Clinical depression is more than a “bout of the blues” and can have far-reaching and negative consequences when it goes undiagnosed and undetected.
Depression can be isolating, which often makes it difficult for some people to reach out for help. Sometimes, it’s through the help or support of a family member, coworker, or friend that you might be able to get help. If a one-on-one discussion isn’t helpful, a group mental health crisis intervention might be a good alternative.
There are a few critical times when it’s absolutely essential that you seek professional help. This can include any time there’s:
- Verbalizing, writing, or insinuating any thought or act of suicide
- Behavior that may lead you to hurt yourself or someone else
- Reckless, impulsive, or aggressive behavior, especially if it’s combined with alcohol or drug use
- A significant shift in mood, sleeping or eating that’s drastic and/or acute and without medical reasons (like brain trauma)
Sometimes, simply talking with a therapist or doctor gives you enough insight to see that the signs of depression really can be treated. Believing that a very good, healthy life is possible might be exactly what you need.
If you’re experiencing worsening signs and symptoms of depression, you should get help. Seeing your doctor can be a good first step to rule out a medical condition or the possibility of your depression being a side-effect of a medication you’re taking. You can also use our online depression test as a way to identify if you are experiencing this condition. Remember, that first step is the most important one. You don’t have to live with the depression symptoms that are ruling your life. There is help for you
