Symptoms of depression

Do you have symptoms of clinical depression? Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times, and feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or injured self-esteem. When these feelings become overwhelming and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. That's when it's time to seek professional help.

If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Recognising the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression. Unfortunately, approximately half the people who experience symptoms never get diagnosed or treated for their illness.

Not getting treatment can be life threatening. 

What are symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression may include the following:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Are there warning signs of suicide with depression?

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. For people with severe depression, the lifetime risk of suicide may be as high as 6%. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. The Samaritans operate a 24-hour service 365 days a year, for anyone in distress.

Warning signs of suicide with depression include:

• A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• Always talking or thinking about death
• Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
• Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
• Losing interest in things one used to care about
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I’ve had enough"
• Talking about suicide (killing one's self)
• Visiting or calling people one cares about

Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, call the Samaritans, contact a mental health professional or your doctor straight away, dial 999 or go to the nearest hospital A&E for immediate treatment.

What are the symptoms of depression in teenagers?

It is common for teenagers to feel unhappy occasionally. However, when the unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and the teenager experiences other symptoms of depression, then they may be suffering from adolescent depression.

According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, 4% of children aged 5 to 16 suffer from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression. If you believe your teenager is suffering from depression, you should seek help from a qualified health care professional.