Signs of depression

There are a number of signs of depression. These include low mood (anhedonia), disrupted sleep (often early morning waking), tearfulness, poor concentration, over or under eating, lack of drive or motivation / apathy, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts or acts. There may also be feelings of hopelessness about the future, and severe critical attacks on the self (“I am useless”, “I am a bad person”, “I am despicable”) and feelings of intense guilt. All of these cause great suffering. In some cases, people cut off from all their feelings because they are so painful, and in this situation the person may not be aware that they are suffering from depression, but the biological signs are there (poor sleep, appetite, concentration).​

Depression can be mild, moderate or severe, and this is defined by the number and severity of symptoms.

In severe cases of depression, anti-depressants prescribed by the GP can help lift the mood, but will not address any underlying psychological causes, which are present in most cases of depression.

Causes may be long term with roots in childhood, but usually there have been more recent events or situations which have triggered or are exacerbating the depression.

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