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The symptoms of depression create a buffer between others and us, thereby diminishing both the quantity and quality of social interaction. Depression isolates us, disables us, and can contribute to deteriorating physical as well as emotional health.
Depression is an internal “stress state.” To an outsider, the symptoms seem to represent a form of either agitation or withdrawal. But inside, each depressed person experiences the condition differently. The severity of symptoms varies by individual and over time. Some people exhibit a few of the following symptoms; some have many:
• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy, fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
(Source: National Institute of Mental Health)
Suicidal thoughts are the most serious symptom of depression and must always be taken seriously.
If you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the following warning signs, seek professional help right away:
• thoughts or talk of death or suicide
• thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
• giving away prized possessions or a sudden lifting of depressed mood (often indications that a decision about suicide has been reached
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