Signs of depression

Physical problems are very common and may be first indicators that something is wrong e.g. sleeping problems, weight loss or gain, decreased sexual interest, or muscular aches and pains.

There may be a tendency to avoid others e.g. "I don't want anybody to see me", "I feel uncomfortable with people around me".

Negative image of themselves shown through conversation e.g. "I'm a failure", "I'm no good", "No one cares about me", "It's my entire fault", "I'm no good to anyone".

There may be noticeable changes in the person's appearance e.g. looks sad, unkept, slow movements.

If the depression is severe, a person may be thinking about suicide but not expressing these thoughts. They may suggest this indirectly e.g. "I'd be better off dead" or "What's the point of it all?".

It is common to be overcome by negative emotions e.g. feeling sad, crying a lot, hopeless, discouraged or listless.

This is a common complaint in depression e.g. "I cannot concentrate long enough to read the newspaper or watch television".

There may be a reluctance to do anything e.g. "I just sit around and mope", "Doing anything is just too much of an effort". Possibly reduced interest in hobbies.