6 Signs and Symptoms of Depression You Need to Know
Depression is a mood disorder that affects the way a person thinks and functions. The symptoms of depression affect people differently, causing mild to debilitating depressive episodes. These episodes can affect mood, causing prolonged periods of sadness and/or hopelessness, in addition to other symptoms. It can lead to suicide attempts or completion if left untreated. Common types of depression include major depressive disorder, perinatal and postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 7.1 percent of American adults (17.3 million people) experience one or more major depressive episodes per year. A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open in September 2020 found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis in the US; data shows that the prevalence of depression symptoms increased threefold during this time.
Depression affects people differently. Not everyone has the same symptoms, and just because someone has one symptom doesn’t necessarily mean they have depression. Symptoms, including the following, are usually persistent for at least two weeks in people experiencing depression.
Difficulty Sleeping
Although some people might associate depression with staying in bed and sleeping all day, the opposite is true. The majority of people with depression either have trouble sleeping or sleep poorly throughout the night with frequent wake-ups. This can create a cycle in which the person with depression is tired and lethargic throughout the day but wide awake and unable to sleep at night. Poor sleep can also negatively impact mood.
Three-quarters of people with depression have trouble falling asleep, according to Johns Hopkins University research. Similarly, people with insomnia are at a much higher risk of experiencing depression than those who sleep well at night.
“Poor sleep may create difficulties regulating emotions that, in turn, may leave you more vulnerable to depression in the future — months or even years from now,” notes Patrick H. Finan, PhD, a sleep researcher at Johns Hopkins. “And depression itself is associated with sleep difficulties such as shortening the amount of restorative slow-wave sleep a person gets each night.”
Loss of Interest in Hobbies and Other Activities
A loss of interest in once-favorite hobbies and day-to-day activities is another common sign of depression. Known as anhedonia, this depression symptom can negatively impact all aspects of life, including productivity at work, relationships with friends and family, and sexual health. In addition to a reduced interest in hobbies, people with anhedonia often have few close relationships and typically don’t enjoy social interactions.
People with severe depression should consult a doctor or mental health professional, but there are several things they can do to address a loss of interest. Exercising regularly, even going for a walk every day, can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Reckless Behavior
People with depression might also disassociate from their lives which, in turn, can lead to increases in reckless behavior. Psychologist and Harvard Medical School lecturer Pamela Cantor, PhD, explains that many people experiencing depression will often find short-term relief from serious emotional pain through reckless acts like unsafe sex, drug abuse, and excessive drinking. Cara Gardenswartz, a clinical psychologist in California, added that about 30 percent of her clients who experience depression engage in “self-injurious or harmful behavior.” These and other acts, like cutting and other types of physical self-harm, can be viewed as either a form of self-punishment or a cry for help.
Disregard for Personal Hygiene
The disassociation and loss of interest associated with depression can make it difficult to do even mundane daily activities like brushing teeth or showering. According to Melissa Jones, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Indiana, people with depression who ignore these personal hygiene tasks usually say they don’t have enough energy.
Personal hygiene is important not only for appearance but physical and mental health. Those experiencing depression who find it difficult to complete basic hygiene tasks should at least try low-effort activities such as using mouthwash for oral hygiene and scented towelettes or baby wipes in place of a shower.
Feelings of Guilt
Guilt is a common depression symptom that can affect day-to-day life and cause a person to spiral into constant, self-loathing thoughts. Notably, many people with depression feel guilty for feeling the way they do and burdening others with their problems. They might tell themselves that they should just get over it or that their depression isn’t serious because others have it worse. This can ultimately lead to a cycle of never-ending guilt.
However, it’s worth remembering that nobody chooses to be depressed nor is it the fault of the person experiencing it. Everybody is deserving of support and there is absolutely no reason to feel guilty for being depressed.
Physical Pain
While most symptoms of depression are mental, physical symptoms can sometimes manifest. Because the mind and body are connected, people with depression can sometimes experience unexplained aches or pains, cramps, headaches, or digestive issues.
