A person with depression will not necessarily have all of the following symptoms. Depressed mood will be the most dominant symptom usually. It is thought that depression affects about one in five women, and one in eight men, in the population at some point in their lives. This is why depression has come to be known as the “common cold” of psychopathology (Seligman, 1973).
Psychological Symptoms
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Continuous low mood or sadness
- Tearfulness
- Low self-esteem
- Irritability
- Intolerance of others
- Guilt
- Little motivation or interest in things
- Difficulty making decisions
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Anxiety (some people with depression will also have feelings of anxiety).
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.
Social Symptoms
- Taking part in fewer social activities
- Avoiding contact with friends and family
- Not doing well at work
- Neglecting hobbies and interests
- Having difficulties in home and family life
Physical Symptoms
- Moving more slowly than usual
- Speaking more slowly than usual
- Change in appetite and weight – this is usually a decrease, but can sometimes be an increase
- Lack of energy
- Lack of interest in sex
- Unexplained pains and aches
- Changes in a female’s menstrual cycle
- Disturbed sleep – such as, finding it hard to fall asleep at night, waking very early in the morning.
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