What are the symptoms of depression

Depression can make you feel like the world is a really sad and gloomy place, and it's hard to see the good in anything.

Depression can look different for different people, however here are some commonly reported signs and symptoms that someone may experience if they are struggling with depression:

1. Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless: Depression can make you feel like you're stuck in a rut and that things will never get better.
2. Losing interest in things you used to enjoy: Hobbies or activities that you used to look forward to may no longer hold any appeal.
3. Changes in appetite and sleep patterns: You may experience changes in your eating habits, such as overeating or loss of appetite. You may also have trouble sleeping or find that you sleep more than usual.
4. Feeling tired or lacking energy: Depression can leave you feeling physically drained and exhausted.
5. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: You may find it hard to focus or feel like you can't make even simple decisions.
6. Feeling worthless or guilty: Depression can cause you to feel like you're not good enough or that everything is your fault.
7. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
   
   

Now this doesnt mean everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms simultaneously to the same degree. Some people may experience a few of these symptoms and some may experience additional symptoms (not listed here) depending on their medical concerns.

The important thing to note here is if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we highly recommend talking to a healthcare provider (your doctor is a great place to start!) or a therapist for support and treatment.

Althought depression can make us feel helpless and hopeless, know that is a treatable condition, and getting help can make a big difference in your quality of life.