Signs and symptoms of depression
At Priory, we understand that it can be very difficult to cope with depression, and the symptoms of this condition, including feelings of despair and hopelessness, can sometimes prevent people from seeking the expert help & support that they need. The signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person and also according to severity and the type of depression that you are suffering from.
COVID-19: Customer Update
We are now resuming face-to-face therapy for existing patients across our network of hospitals and wellbeing centres, as well as continuing to offer this remotely for new patients. Remote therapy, along with consultant assessments, can be accessed via our Priory Connect online therapy service and through Skype.
Inpatient services are still available across our network of private healthcare hospitals, with flexible options for pre-admission assessments being offered.
Depression symptoms can be categorised into psychological, physical and social symptoms.
Psychological symptoms of depression
Some of the most common psychological symptoms of depression can include:
- Intense feelings of sadness – your moods may be so low that they affect your ability to function and even take care of yourself
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness – feeling as though you are unable to see a way out of your depression
- Anxiety
- Tearfulness – finding that you are crying more than usual and become emotional for no apparent reason
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irritability – becoming angry for insignificant reasons and taking it out on the people who are closest to you
- Inability to concentrate
- Indecisiveness
- Flat affect (reduced emotional reactivity)
- Lack of interest in physical appearance or personal hygiene
- Drugs and alcohol abuse as a way of coping with depression and attempting to self-medicate to help you to manage your depression symptoms. Substance abuse may hinder your recovery and could lead to further problems
Physical signs of depression
Depression affects people in different ways, but the most common physical signs of depression often include:
- Appetite changes – either increased or reduced appetite which may also result in weight fluctuations
- Low energy/excessive fatigue
- Psychomotor agitation (being restless or unable to sit still)
- Psychomotor retardation (slowing of movements)
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia – you may experience reduced sleep because you are unable to ‘switch off’ from negative emotions, or find that you are sleeping long hours and struggle to get out of bed
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Unexplained digestive problems
- Sexual dysfunction, including reduced libido and erectile difficulties
This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Leon Rozewicz (MBBS, FRCPsych, MRCGP, MRCPsych) in June 2020, and is scheduled to be reviewed again in June 2022. To view all Priory depression specialists, please click here.
Get in Touch Today
For details of how Priory can provide you with assistance regarding mental health and wellbeing, please call 0800 840 3219 or click here to submit an enquiry form. For professionals looking to make a referral, please click here
For more information about the mental health services that Priory offer, download our brochure.
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