Signs of Depression

Depression can occur without people knowing that they have it. Many people ignore the signs of depression. When a depressed mood persists for several weeks, deepens and eventually starts interfering with work and social life it becomes an illness, or clinical depression.

Some signs of Depression are:

• Disturbed thinking
• Feelings of sadness or irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activates once enjoyed
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy - withdrawal
• Restlessness or decreased activity noticed by others
• Complaints or physical aches and pains for which no medical causes can be found
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Depression, if not treated, can last many months or years.

Information contributed by the TRU Counselling Department.

Links:

Quiz: Are you depressed?

Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation