Depression affects people in different ways. We’ve listed some of the common signs and symptoms of depression below. You most probably won’t have experienced all of these symptoms. On the other hand, you may have suffered other symptoms not included on the list.

If you are suffering from depression, you may be likely to:

Experience a low mood for extended periods of time

Lose your ability to enjoy life – even activities you used to love, such as hobbies

Feel difficulty in connecting and enjoying spending time with people, even those closest to you. Sometimes Depression sufferers can even lose their ability to feel love for family and friends.

Suffer with anxiety. This can be extremely troubling, sometimes even more so than the low mood. It can at times make everyday activities almost impossible.

Have problems with your appetite. Many people struggle to eat enough when they are depressed. Or others may comfort eat to try to counteract negative emotions.

Experience disturbed sleep patterns. Some people sleep more when they are depressed. Others suffer with problems getting to sleep at night, followed by a tendency to wake very early.

Be preoccupied with the past, often with a sense of regret or guilt

Find it difficult or even impossible to concentrate

Be irritable

Suffer with poor short-term memory or a sense of absent-mindedness

Avoid socialising

Experience a sense of dread or hopelessness about the future

Depression is also bad for physical health. We know, for example, that the risk of suffering a heart attack, or some other serious medical problem, is significantly increased by the presence of depression.

To make matters even more challenging, depression is a condition which is often misunderstood. Sometimes even the people who love you the most don’t understand why you’re feeling so bad. They may wonder why you don’t seem to want to socialise, or you may be slow to get in touch. They may even become frustrated. Sadly, this can leave a sufferer feeling even more alone, and with a heightened sense of guilt.