SYMPTOMS

People affected by depression can experience a very broad range of symptoms.  This means that it is very difficult to compile an exhaustive list and it can also make depression awkward to identify.

Common symptoms include:

Physical

• Changes in sleeping patterns – difficulty getting to sleep, sleeping more or less, waking early, not being able to get back to sleep, and daytime sleeping
• Changes in eating patterns or appetite – eating much more or much less
• Loss of energy, general fatigue
• Tearfulness
• Palpitations
• Headaches, stomach aches or other aches and pains

Behavioural

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
• Being irritable
• Putting things off
• Being busy
• Lack of motivation
• No enthusiasm for anything
• Paranoia
• Forgetfulness
• Needing to get away
• Lack of interest in personal appearance and hygiene
• Hiding away – avoiding social situations

Emotional

• Feeling pessimistic
• Emotional numbness
• Fear – especially without an identifiable reason
• Negative beliefs/ideas
• Feeling hopeless and helpless
• Loss of confidence
• Feeling worthless
• Suicidal thoughts
• Feeling anxious and empty