What are the symptoms of depression?
There's more to depression than just prolonged sadness. In fact, clinical depression is really a cluster of symptoms. Not everyone who is depressed has all of the following symptoms, but the presence of one of the first two symptoms and several of the following symptoms almost every day over a period of two weeks may indicate depression.
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Poor appetite or overeating
Feeling bad about yourself
Trouble concentrating on things
Moving or speaking so slowly or quickly that other people have noticed
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way
If you suspect depression in yourself or a loved one, the best thing you can do is arrange an appointment for an evaluation with your personal doctor or a behavioral health practitioner.
