Depression symptoms differ from person to person. Some may only have a few, while others may have many. Symptoms change over time. The most common are:

Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless—these are less common in older adults, children, and adolescents
Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
Agitation, worry, or anxiety
Mood changes
Trouble sleeping, waking up too early, or sleeping too much
No desire for hobbies, for social engagements, or to be around your friends or family
Feeling tired
Having general pain in the stomach, head, muscles, and joints
Problems thinking clearly
Eating habits change
Weight gain or loss
Loss of interest in sex
Thoughts of death or taking your own life—with or without trying it

Depression can interfere with your family or your school or work life. It can also cause problems in how you relate to other people. If you have any of these problems for 2 weeks or more, call your doctor.

References:

Depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml. Updated February 2018. Accessed October 9, 2018.

Depression in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated July 23, 2018. Accessed October 9, 2018.

Depression in elderly patients. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated May 26, 2017. Accessed October 9, 2018.

Depressive disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/mood-disorders/depressive-disorders. Updated May 2018. Accessed October 9, 2018.

Major depressive disorder (MDD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated August 23, 2018. Accessed October 9, 2018.

Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated: 11/13/2020

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