The Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a serious mental health issue that can quickly devastate many areas of a person’s life. A few warning signs that a person may be experiencing depression include: 

• A loss of motivation. Many people experiencing depression may find their energy levels low and their passion and motivation to do much of anything are nearly nonexistent. Because of this loss of motivation, many people experiencing depression struggle with getting out of the house, keeping up with everyday tasks, and taking care of themselves. 

• Low self-esteem. Depression impacts a person’s thoughts, including the way they think of themselves. As every thought appears to take a negative turn, a person experiencing depression may find that their self-esteem and confidence levels have hit an all-time low.  
• Negative feelings. Depression is most well-known for the low moods a person experiences with the mental health condition. These low moods can include irritability, sadness, hopelessness, guilt, despair, and many others. 
• Negative thoughts. As we stated earlier, depression impacts a person’s thinking patterns. Because of this, a person experiencing depression may find themselves feeling pessimistic and unable to see the bright side of the situations they have found themselves in. 
• Loss of interest in the things that once brought joy. Depression impacts a person’s mood, energy levels, and motivation. All of these aspects can cause one to withdraw from activities they once loved, like socializing with friends, participating in their hobbies, or enjoying their favorite sport. 
• Substance use. The symptoms of depression can be devastating. Because of this, some people experiencing mental health disorder may turn to substances to avoid dealing with difficult thoughts and emotions. 

• Foggy thoughts. Depression can impact one’s ability to think clearly, concentrate, and hold new information. 
• Changes in sleep habits. Some people experiencing depression may find themselves experiencing struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep, while others may find that they struggle to leave their bed throughout their days. 
• Changes in eating habits. Similar to one’s sleeping habits, one’s eating habits can also be impacted by depression. Some people overeat, while others may struggle to find their appetite. 
• Aches and pains. Depression has been suggested to leave some people experiencing aches and pains that cannot be explained with a physical health exam.  People of colour are more likely to report somatic symptoms.