Signs of depression can be obvious or subtle, but regardless, they often severely impact your quality of life.  For help in addressing your symptoms of depression, seek the assistance of a therapist or psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an evidence-based treatment for depression. This will help reduce your symptoms and make you less prone to future relapse.

I am available for consultation and treatment in the Palm Beach (Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton), Fort Lauderdale, and Miami communities.  I also welcome you to read my previous post on how depression can be easily overlooked in yourself or others.

Here is a list of common symptoms of depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD):

Symptoms of Depression

• Emotional Symptoms

  • Feelings of sadness, emptiness, loneliness, or pointlessness.
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hostility, or aggression.
  • Overwhelming feelings of grief, loss, hopelessness, or despair.
  • Frequent explained or unexplained crying episodes.
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities (e.g., hobbies, socializing).
  • Recurrent thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide.

• Social/Occupational Symptoms

  • Becoming overly-apologetic.
  • Getting into frequent fights or disagreements with others.
  • Having a low tolerance for frustration.
  • Skipping events because you don’t want to “bring other people down”.
  • Deteriorating or strained relationships.
  • Disinterest in other people (e.g., ignoring spouse, kids).
  • Social isolation or keeping to yourself because you don’t want to “bother” others (e.g., turning down invitations, making excuses).
  • Impaired work/school performance (e.g., missing deadlines or not meeting responsibilities).

• Self-Neglect / Self-Care Symptoms

  • Erratic or dysregulated schedule, such as not having a consistent sleep schedule (e.g., staying up all night, becoming nocturnal).
  • Neglecting personal needs (e.g., skipping meals, exercise).
  • Caring little or not at all about your physical appearance (e.g., not bathing, shaving, or styling hair).

• Physical Symptoms

  • Difficulty sleeping (i.e., insomnia) or sleeping all the time (i.e., hypersomnia).
  • Waking up early and not being able to go back to sleep.
  • Poor concentration/memory or forgetfulness.
  • Reduced sexual interest and desire.
  • General slowness (e.g., walking slowly, taking a long time to dress or eat).
  • Low energy and fatigue.
  • Headaches, aches and pains, or stomach aches.
  • Noticeable changes in your weight or appetite (e.g., unintentionally gaining or losing weight).

Questions or comments about depression?  Additional symptoms you’ve experienced during a depressive episode?  Sound off below.

Related posts:

Depression / Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The (Sometimes) Hidden Ailment Suicide Obsessions: Fear of Killing/Harming Yourself Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Decision Making Abnormalities Sexual Obsessions in OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)