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Signs & symptoms of depression
- Feeling sad, “down” or crying most of the day – every day.
- Much less interest or pleasure in things and people Significant weight/appetite gain OR loss
- Sleep disturbance- may be insomnia or sleeping too much agitation and anxiety OR sluggishness
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Finding it hard to concentrate and difficult to make decisions – even over small things
- Irritability and anger
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts
- If five or more of these symptoms have been present for at least two weeks, this probably indicates depression needing treatment.
The person feeling depressed may become increasingly withdrawn and neglect those things that were once felt to be important, such as cooking, tending the garden or going to work. Increased use of alcohol and or drugs may be used in an attempt to feel better.
The depressed person may be excessively irritable and aggressive - particularly with close family members. Risk taking behavior may increase, such as driving carelessly or crossing roads without looking. |
