How To Tell If You May Have Depression: Signs And Symptoms

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant
Updated March 6, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Depression is a serious mental illness, and one of the most common worldwide. While a low mood is a key characteristic of depression, this disorder is distinct from feelings of sadness that most everyone will experience from time to time. Instead, clinical depression is characterized by persistent, often intense or overwhelming sadness along with several other specific symptoms that generally do not resolve without treatment. Read on to learn more about the most common signs and symptoms of depression so you can understand whether it may be time to seek support.

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Types of depression

There are a few different, clinically recognized ways in which depression can manifest. They all generally have the same or similar symptoms, but they can have different triggers and/or durations. 

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) applies to an individual who has experienced symptoms of depression that persist every day for two weeks or more. MDD can affect anyone, and statistics estimate that one in six adults will experience it in their lifetime.
  • Persistent depression refers to when an individual experiences symptoms that last for over two years. They may be less severe than with MDD and/or may fluctuate over time, but their persistence can still make living with them difficult.
  • Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that affects an individual only at certain times of year, usually during the seasons in which there’s less sunlight.
  • Postpartum depression can affect a parent who has given birth, the partner of an individual who gave birth, or adoptive parents. It’s characterized by symptoms of depression that are triggered by bringing home a new baby.
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Symptoms of depression

Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be brought on by different situations or circumstances, as described above. That said, the list of symptoms themselves tends to be similar across the different types of this disorder. Here are some of the most common signs of depression to look out for:

  • Feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
  • Feelings of unworthiness or guilt
  • A loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Significant changes in sleeping habits
  • Significant changes in appetite
  • Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988.

It’s also worth noting that some symptoms of depression can vary depending on age. For example, children are more likely to be cranky, anxious, or pretend to be sick. Teenagers may sulk, get into trouble at school, and experience symptoms of concurrent disorders like substance use disorder or anxiety. Young adults can be irritable and have a negative outlook on life, and may also experience substance use issues or anxiety. Middle-aged adults are more likely to experience insomnia and decreased libido and often report gastrointestinal symptoms as well. Older adults are more likely to have concurrent health conditions that contribute to their depression and may report feeling numb rather than sad.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

How depression is diagnosed

There are certain physical health conditions that may mimic certain symptoms of depression, such as anemia, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism. That’s why getting evaluated by a doctor if you’re experiencing the symptoms above can be a helpful first step.

There are certain mental health conditions that may overlap with some symptoms of depression as well, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder. That’s why getting evaluated by a mental health professional if you’re experiencing the symptoms above can be beneficial.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

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Could you use support coping with depression symptoms?

How depression is treated

Treatment for depression typically consists of some form of psychotherapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common forms of talk therapy recommended for individuals experiencing depression. It’s based on the idea that core beliefs affect thoughts which in turn affect feelings and behaviors. People with depression are often prone to flawed core beliefs and thoughts, such as cognitive distortions. A cognitive behavioral therapist can work with these individuals to shift their negative thought patterns in a healthier direction and learn to develop positive coping mechanisms. 

Connecting with a therapist for support

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression and are interested in seeking the support of a therapist, options are available. For those who find it difficult to leave home to attend in-person sessions due to depression symptoms, online therapy can represent a viable alternative. With a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist whom you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging to address the symptoms you may be experiencing. Research suggests that online therapy may actually be more beneficial than traditional, in-office sessions for the treatment of depression, so it may be worth considering if this format interests you.

Takeaway

Depression is a serious mental illness, but effective treatment is available. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of this mental health disorder, meeting with a healthcare provider for evaluation is typically a recommended next step.
Depression is treatable, and you're not alone
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