Depression: Know The Signs & Symptoms

If you've felt sad and listless for any length of time, you're not alone. About 7 percent of adult Americans suffer from depression in any given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Depression can be brought on by biochemistry as well as the loss of a loved one, unemployment, or even a bout of ill health. Although research has shown time and again how our feelings can affect health, many people fail to talk about their depression symptoms with a doctor.

An estimated 21 million adults have experienced major depression at least once. It’s one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Depression can affect anyone, but individuals who have experienced trauma, significant losses or high stress levels are at greater risk. Women are more prone to depression than men.

Learn about the symptoms and types of depression, warning signs that indicate depression is becoming dangerous, how to talk to your doctor about depression, and what to do if you're concerned about potential symptoms of depression in a loved one.

What Are Signs Of Depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few signs of depression while others may experience many. If depression symptoms last for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, a person may be suffering from depression.

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Indecisiveness
• Indifference
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Problems concentrating or remembering
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

Depression symptoms can differ widely depending on the person's age and other factors.

What Are Depression Types & Symptoms?

When people have bouts of sadness, isolation or hopelessness that come and go based on circumstances it is called situational depression. Situational depression is a type of adjustment disorder. It can make it hard for you to adjust to your everyday life following a traumatic event like death, divorce losing a job, problems at work or relationship problems.

In addition, there are several types of depressive disorders, the most serious of which is clinical depression, or major depressive disorder.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides a breakdown of the various depressive disorders. They include:

• Clinical depression
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Depressive disorder due to another medical condition.

Clinical depression

Clinical depression, or major depression, is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

In addition, the major depression symptoms are present daily – lasting for most of the day or weeks for a period of two or more years. If left untreated, clinical depression can be life-threatening.

Clinical depression zaps your energy and will to engage in daily life. Symptoms may include:

• A desire to stay in bed all day
• Not attending to routine activities like bathing, paying bills and making meals
• Feelings of worthlessness and/or hopelessness
• Decreased appetite
• Lack of interest in your usual activities
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Feeling a lack of energy to do anything, even minor tasks
• Changes in sleep patterns
• An inability to concentrate
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Persistent depressive disorder or PDD

Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD, is a chronic form of depression characterized by a persistent low mood and a sense of hopelessness that lasts for at least two years. Individuals with PDD may experience fluctuating periods of mild to moderate depressive symptoms, disrupting their daily lives and overall well-being.

PDD symptoms may include loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, low energy, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder or DMDD

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, or DMDD, is primarily diagnosed in children and teens, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. It is marked by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation and inconsistent with developmental age. Between outbursts, young people may have persistent irritability or anger. DMDD symptoms can significantly impair a child's daily functioning, social interactions and school performance.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a cyclical mood disorder characterized by severe emotional and physical symptoms in the days before menstruation. During this time, women may experience symptoms such as intense mood swings, irritability, sadness, anxiety or a sense of hopelessness.

Depression due to a medical condition

Depressive disorder due to another medical condition is a depressive episode caused by an underlying medical condition. This condition could be a chronic illness, neurological disorder, hormonal imbalance or related to substance abuse. The exact cause is typically unknown, however.

While symptoms can be similar to those of major depressive disorder, they are specifically linked to the physiological effects of the underlying medical condition.

How Can I Talk To My Doctor About Depression Symptoms?

You can enlist your doctor in the battle against your depression symptoms. These questions may help start the discussion and allow you to find answers.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Could my depression symptoms be caused by a chronic condition?
• Is it possible to avoid or prevent depression?
• What can I do to lift my depression symptoms if I don't want to take medication?
• Will I need to have any blood tests? (A blood test will show whether you have any illnesses or medical conditions, such as a thyroid disorder, that could cause symptoms of depression.) How will I receive the test results? Who will explain the test results to me?
• How is depression treated?
• What kind of medications might help my depression symptoms?
• How long do I need to take the medication before I can expect to see results? Will I need to take it from now on?
• Do I need to see a therapist or counselor?
• When is my next checkup?

Get more tips on talking to your doctor about your mental health.

What Depression Symptoms Are Potential Signs Of Suicide Risk?

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States – and the primary cause of suicide is depression. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, people who kill themselves exhibit one or more suicidal signs, either through what they say or do. The more suicidal warning signs, the greater the risk.

What to watch for if you feel someone is at risk for suicide:

• If a person talks about:
• Being a burden to others
• Feeling trapped
• Experiencing unbearable pain
• Having no reason to live
• Killing themselves

Specific Behaviors To Look Out For Include:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means
• Acting recklessly
• Withdrawing from activities
• Isolating from family and friends
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
• Giving away prized possessions
• Aggression

People Who Are Considering Suicide Often Display One Or More Of The Following Moods:

• Signs of depression
• Loss of interest
• Rage
• Irritability
• Humiliation
• Anxiety

How To Help

If you are concerned about someone showing signs of depression, immediate action is very important. Suicide can be prevented and most people who feel suicidal demonstrate warning signs. Recognizing some of the warning signs is the first step in helping yourself or someone you care about.

"We want to really help people in the community get really comfortable with just having the conversation, recognizing the signs and warnings of suicide, being able to ask that question, and then give them tools to know what to do once they ask that question," said Rebecca Saylor, a licensed clinical social worker and employee assistance program therapist who teaches QPR classes through Franciscan Health. "So often people are afraid to ask the question because they're afraid of the answer, right?

"You've just got to ask the question. And you want to do it in a way that is open and as inviting, right? If someone says, 'Oh my gosh. I think I'm having a heart attack,' you wouldn't say, 'Are you sure? Maybe are you doing that for attention?' You would say, 'Oh. Okay. Well, then let's go get you some help.'"

In a loving, non-judgmental way, address what you've noticed using "I" statements. You don't just want to say, "You seem depressed." Instead, state what you’ve noticed, such as:

• I've noticed that you seem sad lately.
• I've noticed that you haven’t been joining us for happy hour.
• I noticed you're not eating much.

During the conversation, you want to encourage your loved one to get help.

You could say things like, "Have you been to the doctor lately?" or "Do you think about going to talk to somebody?" You could even offer to go to the doctor with your loved one. Since some people are resistant to visiting a psychiatrist, you can also encourage your loved one to see their general practitioner who can provide an initial evaluation.

Resources For Support

If you or someone you love has persistent feelings of depression, make an appointment to talk with our behavioral health specialists.

For additional information, resources and support groups, you can visit the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

HealthDay News contributed information to this article.