⚠️ Common Symptoms of Depression
These can vary in intensity, but here are the most typical signs:
💭 Emotional Symptoms
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Feeling worthless or guilty, especially about things that aren't your fault
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things once enjoyed (even hobbies or friends)
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling numb or emotionally detached
🧠 Mental/Behavioral Symptoms
- Negative self-talk (“I’m a burden,” “I’m useless,” etc.)
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Lack of motivation to do even simple tasks (showering, eating, going outside)
- Restlessness or being slowed down physically
- Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc.) as a coping mechanism
💤 Physical Symptoms
- Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
- Sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Fatigue or lack of energy, even after rest
- Headaches, body pain, or digestive issues without a medical cause
🚨 Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts (Suicidal Ideation)
These are red flags and should always be taken seriously:
- Talking about wanting to die or expressing suicidal thoughts
- Saying things like:
- “I wish I were dead.”
- “Everyone would be better off without me.”
- “I can’t take this anymore.”
- Giving away personal belongings or saying goodbye to people
- Sudden calmness or relief after a long depression (can mean a person has made a decision)
- Making a plan — searching for ways to die, or collecting pills/weapons
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior (driving dangerously, self-harm, etc.)
🧠 Remember:
Depression lies. It tells you that you don’t matter — but you do.
There is always hope, even if your brain is telling you otherwise.
