Disclaimer:
This publication is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Medical advice should always be obtained from a qualified medical professional for any health conditions or symptoms associated with them. Every possible effort has been made in preparing and researching this material. We make no warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability of its contents or any omissions.
Considerations
- Not everyone will experience every symptom, some may have a few, while others will have many
- The signs and symptoms of depression can be severe or mild
- The symptoms can vary based on the stage of depression
- The symptoms are not attributable to substance abuse or some other medical condition
5 or more of these symptoms need to be present during the same 2-week period of time, and one of the symptoms must be eithersadness (very low mood) or a loss of pleasure or interest in daily activities on a daily basis. For a diagnosis of depression, symptoms must cause clinically significant impairment in work, social, and other areas of life.
- Persistent depressed mood that lasts at least most of the day and nearly every day
- Marked decrease in interest or pleasure in all, or almost all regular activities for most of the day and nearly every day
- Loss of interest in social events, or going to work
- Loss of interest in sex
- Inability to feel joy or pleasure
- Not wanting to get out of bed and do anything
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- General bleak or negative outlook
- The belief that nothing will ever get better or that nothing is good in your life
- Anger and irritability
- Agitation
- Violent outbursts
- Unexplained rage
- Low tolerance level
- Short temper
- Everything and everyone getting on your nerves
- Self-loathing
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Harsh self-criticism
- Decrease in energy levels
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling physically drained
- Sluggishness
- The body feels heavy
- Difficulty completing even small tasks
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Cognitive Issues
- Having difficulty making decisions
- Problems with concentration, thinking or focusing on a task
- Problems with memory
- Having slowness of movement
- Talking more slowly
- Unexplained aches and pains not helped by common treatments that have no known or evident cause
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
- Cramps
- Restlessness and restless behavior
- Fidgeting
- Pacing
- Inability to sit still
- Insomnia or sleeping too much almost every day
- Changes in appetite or weight gain or loss not related to dieting experienced nearly every day
- Significantweight loss or gain of 5% of body weight in one month
- Reckless behavior
- Substance abuse or excessive drinking
- Reckless driving
- Compulsive gambling
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy.This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.