I n order to understand the symptoms of depression, one has to be able to differentiate them from symptoms of other diseases. Then only, any meaningful study is possible. Some diseases also display symptoms similar to the symptoms of depression. So, a fair combination of several depression symptoms is necessary in diagnosing this disorder. The common symptoms of many diseases are body aches, headaches, professional and domestic tensions, anxiety and stress, digestive problems, etc.

Depressive symptoms may cause other side effects such as digestive disorders, suppression of immune system, headaches etc. Sometimes it will be difficult to pinpoint whether depression is the cause for physical problems or a physical illness is the cause for depression. Patients with extreme depression should be hospitalized and stabilized before actual treatment is commenced.

The Early Symptoms of Depression

In the beginning, the early symptoms of depression are often restrained in nature. It can be difficult to make out that symptoms may be associated with depression. The onset of mild depression escapes our attention as we tend to view those symptoms as those associated with usual ‘blues’. Even medical practitioners sometimes cannot diagnose it correctly.

A depression that is transient in nature will only last for some period of time. This is normal and need not be a cause for worry. Clinically speaking, such behavior can not be categorized as depression. At the most, it can be labeled as temporary despair.

Every person feels a sense of unhappiness sometime or the other in life and most people feel ‘low’ occasionally. This unhappiness may become a depressive disorder over time. This is an actual disorder that often goes undiagnosed.

So, it is imperative to be aware of the early warning symptoms of depression so that one can get therapy and treatment. The possible early symptoms include: mild display of irritation, sleeplessness, decreasing social interaction, sense of unexplained sadness, reduced pleasurable activities, etc.

If a person feels that he/she is depressed, then some of the following symptoms should be recognizable:

Feeling dejected and gloomy

Weariness and lack of energy

Difficulty in completing small tasks

Lack of enjoyment

Stressful and anxious

Social aloofness

Inability to contemplate clearly

Irritability and anger

Decreasing confidence levels

Difficulty in getting good sleep

The Physical Symptoms of Depression

There are many aspects of depression symptoms that manifest in physical appearance and characteristics. But many of these signs are quite like the symptoms of known diseases that can be recognized easily. Sometimes it becomes hard for medical practitioners to make sure that the observed symptoms pertain only to depression.

The general physical symptoms are the following:

Unexplained severe aches and soreness

Significant loss of weight

Weariness and lethargy

Digestive disorder

Reduction of sexual drive

Loss of appetite

Reduced mobility and speech

Changes in menstrual cycle in women

Consideration of physical symptoms gets precedence over psychological indicators when a patient’s mood swings are mild in nature. And in some cases, bodily complaints can get psychological input. A case in example is with headaches. A patient’s headache will be made worse by stress in the neck muscle.

The Psychological Symptoms of Depression

It is said that biological factors play a defining role in depressive disorders. Some symptoms of depression may be due to changes in hormones, certain diseases, and thyroid related problems. These problems will affect the patient’s mental makeup. They manifest as psychological symptoms.

Depressive disorders can be anticipated by the symptoms a person displays such as sadness, lack of activity, aloofness, gloomy demeanor etc. If these symptoms continue for longer periods of time and show increasing trends, then it is to be understood that the patient needs medical attention.

The following are the symptoms that are observed to be associated with psychological disturbances due to depression:

Persistent gloominess

Extremely low levels of confidence

Uncontrolled sobbing and crying

Feelings of remorse

Intolerance and impatience

Lack of motivation

Lack of enjoyment

Irritability and petulance

Feeling of vulnerability

Suicidal contemplations

Disturbed sleep patterns

Stressful demeanor and anxiety

Trouble in decision making

Incoherence in speech

Memory recall problems

The Social Symptoms of Depression

The onset of depression in a person not only affects that particular person, but also affects his/her immediate vicinity at home and at the work place. It affects person’s social behavioral patterns. It further pushes the patient into isolation. The patient will become solitary in nature that will further exacerbate depressed condition.

The social indicators of depression can be categorized as the following:

Increasing disability to work

Deficiency of social interactions

Lesser hobbies, pastimes and interests

Fewer friendships and acquaintances

Domestic difficulties with family

With this abundance of information on symptoms of depression, people can really check themselves or their near ones for any possible onset of this disorder.