Depression is treatable, and it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of the illness so that you can get help as soon as possible.
Signs of Depression in Adults
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood for most of the day (or an irritable mood in children and adolescents)Loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyable activitiesUnexplained weight loss or gain, or a significant decrease or increase in appetiteInsomnia or sleeping too muchFatigue or loss of energyRestlessness or slowed movements, speech, and thoughtsFeelings of worthlessness or extreme guiltDifficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisionsRecurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Additionally, you may experience physiological signs like new, frequent aches, pains, or stomach issues. (In some cases, people may experience mental distress physically more than psychologically.) Changes in behavior or increased substance use may also be signs of attempts to self-treat the underlying mental distress.
Depression in Men
Men with depression are more likely than women to report the following symptoms:
AngerAggressionDrug and alcohol abuseRisk-taking behaviors
Reflecting cultural norms, men with depression may be more likely to exhibit certain unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as workaholism or gambling. Men are also less likely to be diagnosed with depression than women.
Depression in Women
StressIndecisivenessAnxietyFeeling patheticSleep problemsDepressed mood
Depression in Children and Teens
Despite the rise in depression, the researchers did not see an increase in the number of teenagers undergoing mental-health treatment, suggesting that many young people are not receiving the help they need. Teenagers have many of the same symptoms of depression as adults, but those changes in mood and behavior are sometimes mistaken as a normal part of puberty or adolescence.
Sadness and crying spells that happen without much causeAnger or frustration, even over small issuesLoss of interest in activities they once enjoyedIrritabilityExtreme guilt, self-blame, or self-criticismSensitivity to rejectionSocial withdrawalUnexplained body aches and painsAngry outbursts or other acting-out behaviorsHaving bad grades in school, or skipping schoolConflicts with friends and familySelf-harmThoughts of death or suicide
Complications of Depression
Depression Tests and Diagnosis
There are a number of online tools and self-tests that can help determine whether you may be depressed and need to seek help, but only your doctor or a mental health professional can diagnose clinical depression. Before diagnosing major depression, which is the most common type of depression, your doctor will conduct exams and tests to rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms, such as thyroid issues, medication side effects, neurological illnesses, autoimmune diseases, or nutritional deficiencies. These efforts may include a physical examination and blood tests, as well as a discussion about your medications, some of which may cause depressive symptoms. Your doctor will also ask in-depth questions about your mood and feelings, and they may ask you to fill out a questionnaire.
Resources We Love
American Psychiatric Association (APA) The APA’s resources can help you learn about how and when doctors diagnose someone with depression. You could also search for a psychiatrist near you using its Find a Psychiatrist tool. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) The ADAA has educational resources about the symptoms of depression and treatments for it, as well as a directory of therapists that can help you find treatment for depression near you. Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic provides helpful overviews about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for many different health conditions, including major depressive disorder. Additional reporting by Pamela Kaufman.
