Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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Symptoms of Depression
If you are depressed you often lose interest in things that you used to enjoy. Depression commonly interferes with your work, social and family life. In addition, there are many other symptoms, which can be physical, psychological, and social.
Psychological symptoms:
- continuous low / ‘blue’ mood or sadness;
- feelings of hopelessness and helplessness;
- low self-esteem;
- tearfulness;
- feelings of guilt;
- feeling irritable and intolerance of others;
- lack of motivation, and little interest in and difficulty making decisions;
- lack of enjoyment;
- suicidal thoughts / thoughts of harming someone else;
- feeling anxious or worried;
- reduced sex drive.
Physical symptoms:
- slowed movement / speech;
- change in appetite / weight (usually decreased but sometimes increased);
- constipation;
- unexplained aches and pains;
- lack of energy / lack of interest in sex; and
- changes to the menstrual cycle (in women).
Social symptoms:
- not performing well at work;
- taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends;
- reduced hobbies and interests, and difficulties in home and family life.









