Know the Symptoms of Depression

The first step toward defeating depression is to define it. But people who are depressed often have a hard time thinking clearly or recognizing their own symptoms. They may need your help. Check the following boxes if you notice a friend or friends with any of these symptoms persisting longer than two weeks.

Do they express feelings of:

• Sadness or "emptiness"?
• Hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt?
• Helplessness or worthlessness?

Do they seem:

• Unable to make decisions?
• Unable to concentrate and remember?
• To have lost interest or pleasure in ordinary activities -- like sports or band or talking on the phone?
• To have more problems with school and family?

Do they complain of:

• Loss of energy and drive -- so they seem "slowed down"?
• Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up?
• Appetite problems; are they losing or gaining weight?
• Headaches, stomach aches, or backaches?
• Chronic aches and pains in joints and muscles?

Has their behavior changed suddenly so that:

• They are restless or more irritable?
• They want to be alone most of the time?
• They've started cutting classes or dropped hobbies and activities?
• You think they may be drinking heavily or taking drugs?

Have they talked about:

• Death?
• Suicide -- or have they attempted suicide?

top | finding help

more about depression | how to tell fact from fiction

general depression | suicide facts | co-occurrence of depression | research
in adolescents | in women | in older adults | employers | send to friend