Signs of Depression

Learn about the various visible signs of depression ...

signs of depression

Sometimes we overlook unusual personality traits in a partner, family member, or friend, not wanting to offend or remark on sensitive topics that might upset or anger the individual.

After all, we tell ourselves, all individuals have their quirks, their bad moods and idiosyncratic behaviors. But the line between problematic behaviors and depression, one of the most troubling disorders in our society, is often blurred.

Mistaking depression with what often appears as normal ups and downs of life, and not seeking treatment for it, can lead to serious consequences.

A husband or wife, or romantic partner, for instance, not interested in sex is often lampooned in television shows, books, and movies. Typically in the media, it’s the woman or wife who consistently makes excuses for not engaging in sexual activity.

Yet combine a disinterest in sex with weight gain or loss, an intolerance for personal mistakes, and too much sleep, and you have all the warning signs of depression.

Sex might be used as the reason why a couple starts to experience relationship difficulties, even separation or divorce. But the real cause, often not diagnosed until the relationship has deteriorated, is a form of depression. (see article Types of Depression.)

Individuals will exhibit depression uniquely, yet certain signs or symptoms of the disorder appear across class, race, nationality, and culture.

Symptoms of depression

  • Sleep disturbances, such as too much or too little sleep
  • Constant fatigue, loss of energy, difficulty completing common tasks
  • Feelings of sadness or unhappiness
  • Low self-esteem and/or feelings of guilt
  • Excessive crying (often for no reason)
  • Thoughts or talk of suicide or “wishing it would all end”
  • Continual physical problems without a credible cause
  • Weight gain or weight loss
  • Loss of interest in sex, or diminished sex drive
  • Irritability
  • Isolating/stop socializing or taking part in pleasurable activities
  • Restlessness or jitteriness
  • Inability to concentrate, slowed thinking, distractibility
  • Indecisiveness
  • Memory problems
  • Self-blame - even for things beyond an individual’s control

Symptoms of depression in children and teens

Depressed children and teens often display symptoms of depression differently than adults. Identifying depression in the younger ages is sometimes difficult because other kids without depression also exhibit many of the same behaviors (see Childhood Developmental Psychology). However, the intensity, rate of occurrence, and number of combined symptoms are considered when making a diagnosis of depression.

  • Younger depressed children display signs of ongoing sadness and worry. Uncontrollable crying spells, increased boredom, and irritability are also signs of childhood depression.
  • Depressed teens show intense anger, and often have rage-filled outbursts. They avoid social situations, sporting events, or taking part in sports or other extracurricular activities. They might resort to drug and alcohol abuse, and display symptoms associated with other mental health disorders.

For more information, see the articles Signs of Depression in Preschool-Aged Children and Signs of Depression in School-Aged Children and Teens.

Symptoms of depression in women

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 12 million American women have depression in a given year, yet about two-thirds fail to seek treatment or get help. This rate of depression is estimated to be double the rate of men suffering with the disorder.

NAMI lists the following depressive symptoms exhibited by women:

  • Difficulty concentrating for extended periods, even affecting television watching or reading the newspaper
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Fatigue, low energy, trouble getting started with tasks
  • Helplessness and hopelessness
  • Either extreme restlessness or moving or talking so slowly it seems exaggerated
  • Overeating or poor eating
  • Difficulty falling asleep, or sleeping too much
  • No interest in enjoyable or fun activities
  • Self-injurious thoughts or suicidal thoughts

For more information, see the article Signs of Depression in Women.

Symptoms of depression in men

Men are less likely than women to seek help for depression because they consider it a “women’s issue.” Yet more than six million American men have at least one episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) in a given year, according to NAMI. (See article on Types of Depression.)

NAMI states that symptoms of depression in men are quite different than women, and include the following:

  • Abusive and overly violent behaviors
  • Rage that’s inappropriate and out-of-control
  • Behaviors that exhibit escapism, such as over involvement in career, sports, or other hobbies
  • Overly sexual behaviors including sexual liaisons
  • Alcohol and substance abuse
  • More thoughts of suicide than women

For more information, see the article Signs of Depression in Men.

Symptoms of depression in older adults

Many consider depression to be a normal part of aging, making it one of the hardest conditions to treat among this age group. Older adults don’t know that their depression is abnormal, and rarely tell their physicians unless asked. And, unfortunately, many primary care doctors fail to ask.

According to MayoClinic.com, the following symptoms of depression characterize depression in this age group:

  • Depression goes undiagnosed because tiredness, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and loss of sexual interest appears to be caused by other illnesses. However, these are all warning signs of depression.
  • Older adults often want to stay home and not venture out to enjoyable activities. Yet they seem bored, helpless or exhibit low self-worth. These are all signs of depression.
  • Older adults who are depressed often have thoughts of suicide. In fact, suicide rates in older men are the highest rates in the country. Experts believe that most of these suicides are directly related to depression. For more information on suicide rates in older adults, see the article Suicide in Older Adults

If working as a mental health counselor and helping those with depression interests you, contact schools offering degrees in mental health counseling.

In most cases, at least a master’s degree is required, and most states also require licensing. Some positions also require a PhD in Psychology.