Symptoms of depression

You may be depressed if you have experienced at least five of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.

People who are depressed have at least one of the first two symptoms.

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Children may be irritable instead of sad or depressed.
• A noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Restlessness and an inability to sit still
• Constant tiredness
• Feelings of worthlessness or overwhelming guilt
• Inability to concentrate, to remember, or to make decisions
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Most people experience some form of depression at some point in their lives. Depression can range from a minor problem to a major, life-threatening illness. Depression is usually treatable. For many people, treatment can dramatically improve their quality of life.