1. Look for Persistent Negative Feelings
Symptoms of major depression can vary widely from case to case, but they usually include persistent, recurring negative emotions. That may involve feelings of worthlessness or guilt, a perceived inability to make any changes in your life, undue pessimism, sadness without any explainable cause or a vague feeling of anxiousness. In the worst cases, it may also involve suicidal thoughts. Everyone goes through bouts of negative emotions, but if feelings like this continue for longer than a week or two, they may be signs of major depression. If you are considering suicide, contact a suicide hotline immediately, or talk to your therapist if you have one.
2. See if Your Emotions Interfere With Other Parts of Your Life
Major depression brings on an increased inability to participate in other aspects of your life. You may lose interest in hobbies you once found enjoyable. It may become harder to get things done at work and you may have trouble concentrating or focusing on pertinent tasks. You may find that you have much less energy, or that you feel tired and exhausted easily. If those symptoms don't have an easily identifiable cause, or if they persist for longer than a week, they may point to major depression.
3. Ask Yourself if Your Sleep Cycle Has Been Affected
Major depression can disrupt your sleep patterns in a number of ways. You may suffer from restlessness or insomnia, and have a difficult time getting to sleep at night. You may wake up long before you are used to and have a hard time getting back to sleep when you do. Conversely, you might suffer from excessive sleep that lasts much longer than normal and makes it difficult for you to get up in the morning. You might also find yourself falling asleep at odd hours of the day. As with many symptoms of depression, a change in sleep patterns can stem a number of causes. But when combined with other symptoms and with a lack of easily explainable factors, clinical depression becomes increasingly likely.
4. Watch for Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms are rarely the sole indicator of major depression, but they may accompany other indicators. Like other symptoms, they often lack an obvious cause. Eating habits may be affected, either through a loss of appetite or periods of overeating. Headaches and body aches may increase, and you may experience an upset stomach or similar gastrointestinal problems.
