Top 7 Symptoms of Depression

It is normal to feel down from time to time, but if you feel hopeless and despair all the time, you may be depressed. Depression changes the way people think, function, feel, and live. Here are the top 7 symptoms of depression.

7. Loss of Interest

If you no longer feel passionate about your hobbies or social activities or even pleasures like talking to people you love or having sex, you may be depressed. Depression prevents people from feeling the joy of life. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

6. Weight Changes

Weight problems and depression are associated. Some people start gaining more weight when they are depressed while others lose weight significantly. Depression also makes people lose their energy to change how they look, which may worsen weight problems. (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

5. Sleep Problems

Some people oversleep when they are depressed, others suffer from insomnia. Sleepwalking is also another symptom of depression, especially in the early hours of the morning. If your sleep problems persist, they may affect your entire life. (12, 13, 14)

4. Anger or Irritability

Everything and everyone gets on the nerves of depressed people. Even the smallest things can drive depressed people agitated or even violent. They do not tolerate things anymore. Their temper is short.It is recommended to avoid saying or doing anything that may irritate depressed people. (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)

3. Lack of Energy

Lack of energy or even complete loss of it is one of the most common symptoms of depression. Depressed people are sluggish and can be completely drained physically and mentally. Their bodies and minds are heavy, and the smallest tasks can be really exhausting. (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)

2. Self-Loathing

Depressed people feel worthless and guilty all the time. They criticize themselves for the slightest mistakes and faults. Studies show that depressed people are always hard on themselves. The condition becomes even worse if the people surrounding them criticize them too. (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)

1. Reckless Behaviors

Depressed people always try to escape their harsh reality. Escapist behaviors such as drug abuse, gambling, driving recklessly, and dangerous sports are common among depressed people. Physical problems such as stomach pain, headaches, and muscle aches may become worse along with these reckless behaviors. (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)