Clinical Depression Symptoms

Are you depressed? Here are symptoms to look for — and tips to get help

Everyone feels sad now and then. But depression is more than a bout of the blues or a rough patch. If you’re feeling sadder than usual, or the feeling won’t go away, you may be depressed.

Depression is marked by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can interfere with work, school and other daily routines.

“Depression isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a real medical condition,” says Kylie Oleski, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and psychology director in Geisinger’s Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Department. “And it’s not something you can snap out of. Thankfully, treatment can be very effective in improving depression symptoms and helping people live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Spotting symptoms of this common, yet often undiagnosed mental health condition and seeking care is a strong step toward feeling better. Without treatment, depression can get worse and lead to other problems.

What is depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a common mood disorder that affects how you think, feel and function in all aspects of your life. You may have heard that depression is simply caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but it’s more complex than that.

Research suggests it’s a combination of social, psychological and biological factors and can be triggered by a traumatic or stressful event. Abuse, conflict and grief are common triggers, but genetic factors play a major role.

“Depression is often hereditary,” says Dr. Oleski. “In fact, researchers have identified multiple genes that can make a person more vulnerable to depression.”

Research also uncovered a link between depression and the parts of the brain that affect memory and emotions. This link suggests that depression may be related to the amount and function of serotonin and other brain chemicals that influence how our brains work and transmit messages along nerve fibers.

Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, memory and other vital systems. Current research suggests that the amount, as well as how the brain cells use serotonin and other similar neurotransmitters, can affect how we feel emotions.

Spotting clinical depression symptoms

Depression can appear at any age, and symptoms can vary from person to person. But for many, depression symptoms are usually severe enough to negatively impact day-to-day life.

“Some of these symptoms may be part of life’s normal ups and downs,” says Dr. Oleski. “But if you’re having several symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, it’s more likely to be depression.”

Here are 7 common clinical depression symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:

Feelings of hopelessness

The most common symptom associated with depression is a persistent low mood with feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness. They can make you feel bad about yourself or carry excessive guilt.

You also might be easily irritated and frustrated — even over small matters — and have a lot of anxiety.

“Depression can look different across age groups and gender,” says Dr. Oleski. “Children and teens may be more irritable, rather than expressing sadness. And women tend to have rapid mood swings, whereas men often express more anger and irritability.”

Avoiding friends or beloved activities

Depression can lead to a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, including sex, hobbies and sports. These activities might seem pointless or a waste of time, and you might isolate yourself and withdraw from family and friends.

Low energy or loss of motivation

Depression affects the whole body, and low energy and fatigue are common. Even small tasks can feel overwhelming or take a lot of effort. You might feel like your “gas tank” is always running on empty.

Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping

Physical symptoms may be some of the first changes you notice. Sleep problems are common. You might find you’re waking up earlier than normal or having trouble falling asleep. Or the opposite might happen, where you’re sleeping more than usual at night and taking naps during the day.

Lost appetite or binge-eating

Changes in appetite and weight are also common with depression. You might eat less and be uninterested in food, which can cause weight loss. Or your cravings may increase, causing you to eat more and gain weight.

Difficulty with concentration

Feeling depressed can lead to trouble concentrating, indecisiveness and memory difficulties. Tasks that were once simple can seem difficult and exhausting.

“Many people describe a mental ‘fog,’ slowed thinking or feeling stuck, which can make it hard to pay attention at work or school,” says Dr. Oleski. “And repetitive, negative thought loops can make it hard to problem-solve or see a path forward.”

Suicidal thoughts or tendencies

In severe cases, you might have thoughts of death or suicide. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room for help. You can also dial or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Don’t wait to see if the feelings pass.

Clinical depression treatment

Do you have some of these symptoms — or know someone who does? If these feelings last most days for 2 weeks or longer and are interfering with daily functioning, reach out to your primary care provider for an evaluation.

There’s good news, says Dr. Oleski: Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions.

“Depression can be treated with psychotherapy (or talk therapy), medication or brain stimulation,” she explains. “For many people with moderate to severe depression, combining talk therapy with medication or brain stimulation is the most effective approach.”

Psychotherapy. Talk therapy can take the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy or other forms to find better ways to cope, change behaviors and solve problems. With CBT, a therapist will help you identify unhelpful thoughts and teach you how to challenge and modify them for better outcomes. Interpersonal therapy is a short-term treatment focusing on the triggers of depression, as well as improving interpersonal relationships and social anxiety.
Medication. Prescription antidepressants work by rebalancing brain chemistry to relieve depression symptoms. Most antidepressants can take between 2 and 4 weeks to make an impact. But once your ideal medication is found, you should start to feel more like yourself.
Brain stimulation. These advanced therapies are an effective option for people with severe depression who don’t respond well to antidepressants. They work by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain to improve brain function and regulate mood.

Making healthy lifestyle changes to take better care of yourself can help, too. Getting plenty of rest, exercising, eating right (and avoiding alcohol, a depressant), managing stress and building a strong support network can all enhance recovery.

“There are many safe and effective depression treatment options available, including different approaches to talk therapy," says Dr. Oleski. “You may need to try a few options before finding the right fit for you, but don’t let that be a deterrent. Your happiness — and life — are worth it.”