Depression Symptoms
Depression is more than feeling sad for a day or two. It’s a medical condition that affects mood, thinking, body functions, and daily life. It can develop slowly or suddenly and last weeks, months, or longer without treatment.
The key difference between normal sadness and depression is duration and impact. If symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks and interfere with daily routines, it may be depression.
Core Symptoms of Depression
Depression affects people in different ways. Not everyone will have all symptoms, but when several are present together, it can point to a clinical depressive disorder.
Mood and Thought Changes
These are the emotional and cognitive signs people notice most:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or low mood that won’t lift
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Hopelessness or helpless feelings
- Low self-esteem or excessive guilt
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Irritability or restlessness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (seek immediate help if this appears)
Physical and Body Symptoms
Depression often affects the body as much as the mind:
- Changes in appetite or weight (gain or loss)
- Sleep problems (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Low energy or fatigue
- Slowed movement or speech
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Reduced libido (low sex drive)
Behaviour and Social Signs
These are changes others might notice:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
- Reduced performance at work or school
- Neglecting responsibilities or personal care
- Avoiding social situations
How Long Symptoms Must Last
For a clinical diagnosis such as Major Depressive Disorder, symptoms usually must be present continuously for at least two weeks and represent a clear change from the person’s usual functioning.
Healthcare professionals use specific criteria, like those in the DSM-5 or screening tools like the PHQ-9 questionnaire, to assess severity and impact.
Different Patterns of Depression
Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone:
- Some people may mainly feel irritability rather than sadness.
- Others may show more physical symptoms, such as fatigue or aches.
- In older adults, symptoms can overlap with other health issues, such as cognitive slowing.
- Depression in teens might show as irritability and behaviour changes.
When Depression Is Serious
Certain signs require urgent attention:
- Persistent thoughts of harming yourself
- Plans or means to act on suicide thoughts
- Severe withdrawal from life activities
- Inability to function at work or home
If you or someone else is in danger, seek help immediately from a mental health provider, crisis hotline, or emergency services.
What This Really Means
Depression is a real condition with identifiable symptoms that affect mood, body, and behaviour. It’s not a sign of personal weakness or something a person can simply “snap out of.” Understanding the symptom patterns can help people recognize when to seek assessment and support.