Understanding Depression: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Depression affects over 280 million people worldwide. Learn to recognize the early warning signs, understand the different types of depression, and discover when it's time to seek professional help.

If you are reading this, you might be looking for answers, either for yourself or a loved one. The simple fact is that recognizing the symptoms of depression is the first step toward recovery.

Common Warning Signs

Depression manifests differently in everyone, but there are common threads. It's often more than just a passing feeling of sadness.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy, fatigue, or being "slowed down"

When to Seek Help

If you have experienced some of these signs for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression. Please remember that clinical depression is highly treatable, and no one needs to fight it alone.