It's normal to feel blue and down every once in a while. You might go through a period of sadness after losing a loved one, when a beloved pet gets lost or when you lose your job. However, people who suffer from depression feel an overwhelming sadness or irritability most of the time. Treatment for depression includes medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy.
Mood Change
The main sign that someone is depressed is a change of mood. When you're depressed, you have a hard time feeling pleasure, even when exposed to things that used to make you happy. You might feel irritable and snap at loved ones, friends and coworkers.
Hopelessness
Helpguide.org reports that hopelessness is a sign of depression. When you no longer look towards the future, think that there isn't a point in trying to change your life and see no hope for change, you're probably depressed. People who aren't depressed find a way to cope with and move past these feelings.
Weight Changes
Some people indulge in junk food and eat a lot more when they're depressed, which can result in significant weight gain. Other people have no appetite and lose weight.
Sleeping Issues
If you're depressed, you might experience insomnia, which will lead to fatigue during the day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another problem you might have is waking up in the middle of the night. When you're able to fall asleep, you're not able to stay asleep for long. On the other hand, you might sleep more hours than you're awake, skip work to sleep and have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.
Lack of Concentration
Another sign of depression is lack of concentration. If you're trying to finish a work project, your thoughts might drift to other things such as the stack of bills waiting to be paid. Many times this inability to concentrate will lead to poor work or school performance.
Physical Complaints
Many people who suffer from depression experience unexplainable medical issues such as nausea, headaches and back pain. They might seek medical help, only to find out their doctors can't find a cause for the issues.
Reduced Sex Drive
If you used to have regular sex with your partner and no longer feel like engaging in sexual activities, depression might be the cause. Depression and its symptoms, such as fatigue, will lower your libido.
Suicidal Ideation
Experiencing thoughts of suicide is a clear sign of mental illness, including major depression. If you're feeling so hopeless that you're thinking about ending your life, you need immediate help from a mental health professional.
