Understanding depression

In this video, Dr Angus McLellan discusses the common signs and symptoms of depression, from persistent low mood to sleep disruption and changes to your eating habits, socialising, and daily routines.

What are the signs of depression?

Depression affects people in different ways. However, there are generally some common signs alongside low mood that may indicate depression:

You’ve been feeling low or irritable

Depression can leave you feeling low or agitated for most of the day. This will usually persist every day for two weeks or more.

You might have found yourself worrying about past or future events for long periods, or simply feeling sad, cross or tearful.

Sometimes it’s hard to recognise a gradual change – have others noticed that you don’t seem your usual self?

You’ve lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy

Depression can lead to a loss of interest in activities that you enjoy. Perhaps you have been seeing less of your friends or family recently, have stopped going to the gym, or cooking balanced meals.

Focus on recognising changes in what’s normal for you. Everyone has different routines and lifestyles, so it’s not about having perfect exercise or eating habits. Instead, notice if there are changes in your daily activities, as these can be important signs that your mood may be shifting.

You are struggling to concentrate

Struggling with concentration can often be a sign of depression. You might notice that you struggle to focus when reading or watching television, for example, or to follow the thread of a spoken conversation.

This could be affecting your performance at work, or limiting your ability to perform routine tasks such as food shopping.

Again, we are looking for a change in what’s normal for you. If concentration has always been something you find tricky, this might not be a worry.

Your energy levels are low

Feeling exhausted is one of the most challenging effects of depression. Finding the energy to do anything – even getting out of bed – can be a huge effort, and you might find yourself feeling frustrated at not being able to do things that used to be seemingly easy.

Your sleeping and/or eating patterns have changed

Often, it is said that a reduced appetite is a sign of depression. In fact, eating more than usual can be just as indicative of low mood as eating less.

The same goes for sleeping. Both sleeping more than your usual amount and sleeping less are warning signs that you might have depression.

Early morning waking – that is, waking several hours before you would normally expect to, and struggling to get back to sleep – is another common sign. The emphasis is on a noticeable change from the norm for you.

You’ve been preoccupied with feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Feelings of guilt and worthlessness can show that depression may be affecting you. This might be a case of feeling like you’re in the wrong, or that you’ve let people down, or that you are a burden on those who are close to you.

Often, these ideas are disproportionate to the event that has triggered them. A good way to test whether these ideas might be out of proportion is to ask a trusted friend or family member whether they would feel the same way in your shoes.

What can cause depression

Various factors can lead to depression. There is no one cause, and sometimes causes may not be apparent. Anything from work troubles to relationship problems to excessive substance use can affect mood.

Depression severity levels

There are different levels of severity associated with depression. It’s important to understand that everyone experiences it differently, and the intensity can impact your ability to function day-to-day.

• Mild depression: You may experience some signs of depression, but they don’t stop you from carrying out everyday tasks.

• Moderate depression: Signs become more noticeable, and it can become harder to manage daily activities.

• Severe depression: This is when signs become hard to cope with. Everyday tasks may feel impossible, and you might isolate yourself from loved ones.

Any level of depression can be treated with the right support. Mild depression can be prevented from getting worse through early intervention treatments. If you are experiencing moderate to severe depression, you should seek help as soon as possible.

What it's like to live with depression

Living with depression can feel scary, lonely, and like carrying a weight that never lifts.

It can affect every aspect of your daily life, not just your feelings. You may find yourself feeling incredibly tired and unmotivated, and you may also struggle to understand why you don't want to do the things you usually enjoy doing. Tasks like work and education can feel increasingly demanding, and it's likely to lead to fatigue.

During a period of depression, you may feel disconnected from relationships, and not want to be as involved with social or family interactions. Those suffering from depression may also develop feelings of guilt, anxiety about how they are perceived, and a loss of self-esteem

Even though living with depression can be hard, it’s important to remember that help is available. If you are experiencing persistent low mood, make sure you seek the support you need.