Depression

Adults, Teenagers ,Older adults

Symptoms of depression include:

Low mood or irritable mood most of the time

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

A big change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss

Tiredness and lack of energy

Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt

Difficulty concentrating

Slow or fast movements

Lack of activity and avoiding usual activities

Feeling hopeless or helpless

Repeated thoughts of death or suicide

Lack of pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, including sex

Remember that children may have different symptoms than adults. Watch for changes in schoolwork, sleep, and behavior.

If you wonder whether your child might be depressed, talk with your health care provider. Your provider can help you learn how to help your child with depression.

Types of Depression

Major depression: It occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with daily life for 2 weeks or longer periods of time.

Persistent depressive disorder.: This is a depressed mood that lasts 2 years. Over that length of time, you may have periods of major depression, with times when your symptoms are milder.

Postpartum depression: Many women feel somewhat down after having a baby. However, true postpartum depression is more severe and includes the symptoms of major depression.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).: Symptoms of depression occur 1 week before your period and disappear after you menstruate.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).: This occurs most often during fall and winter, and disappears during spring and summer. It is most likely due to a lack of sunlight.

Major depression with psychotic features: This occurs when a person has depression and loss of touch with reality (psychosis).

Bipolar disorder occurs when depression alternates with mania (formerly called manic depression). Bipolar disorder has depression as one of its symptoms, but it is a different type of mental illness.