Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression vary largely between patients and can range from mild, unnoticeable sadness to severely disabling symptoms. Not all people experience all the symptoms discussed here; the symptoms vary from patient to patient and also differ in severity and duration. Additionally some people have these symptoms persisting for long periods whereas others may have repetitive, sporadic spells lasting for some time.
It must be borne in mind that depression not only affects the patient but also burdens his family and friends; it ultimately even affects the patient's quality of work.
Depression can present as a combination of any of the symptoms mentioned here and it significantly affects the normal functioning of the person:
Sadness, grief that persists
Feeling of 'emptiness' in general
Spells of crying (which may be causeless many times)
Irritability, getting annoyed easily
Activities that were once pleasurable are no longer enjoyed or there is lack of interest in the same
Low energy level
Negative thoughts that are persistent
Decreased libido, loss of interest in sex
Utter hopelessness
Difficulty in focusing or concentrating on work or daily activities
Indecisiveness
Suicidal thoughts; patient may even attempt suicide
Restlessness
Feeling of being worthless or of no use
Fatigue, lethargy
Excessive sleepiness or lack of sleep; early morning wakefulness
Changes in appetite - loss or increase in appetite
Weight gain or loss that is not intentional
Feeling helpless
Persistent, unexplained complaints like backache, headache, digestion problems, general cramps, etc. These usually do not respond to conventional treatments.