6 Signs of Depression – How to Recognize Symptoms and Find Support

Contact a clinician or local mental health service now if you or someone you know has had persistent low mood, marked loss of interest, or thoughts of self-harm for two weeks or more; immediate assessment will help determine the right level of care. Use specific questions about sleep, appetite, concentration and energy when you call, and mention any anxiety or hopeless thoughts so clinicians can triage appropriately.

Look for six actionable signs: sustained low mood, withdrawal from usual activities, notable changes in sleep or appetite, impaired concentration, increased irritability or anxious agitation, and suicidal ideation. Those signs often cluster in major depressive disorder but can appear across other types such as persistent depressive disorder or bipolar depression with mood swings. Symptom intensity will likely vary between people and across episodes, so track frequency and severity for at least 14 days before concluding a pattern is established.

Measure severity using validated scales: the beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‑D) give concrete cutoffs you can report to clinicians – BDI: 0–13 minimal, 14–19 mild, 20–28 moderate, 29–63 severe; HAM‑D: 0–7 normal, 8–13 mild, 14–18 moderate, 19–22 severe, ≥23 very severe. Combining self-report scores with clinician-rated scales improves diagnostic accuracy and makes it easier to choose a treatment intensity that matches the patient’s level of need.

Prioritize treatments with demonstrated benefit: cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors reduce symptoms for many people, and combined therapy plus medication often produces better outcomes than either alone. If you feel hopeless or that something is wrong, ask about an anxious distress specifier and about rapid safety planning; using a safety plan and crisis contacts reduces near-term risk while longer-term therapy begins.

Bring concrete information to appointments – duration of symptoms, any recent stressors, medication history and scores from brief scales – and share reliable sources from your country (for example, national health services or established research sources; surveys in Ireland report patterns consistent with global estimates such as WHO’s ~280 million people affected worldwide). Clinicians said early, specific intervention reduces relapse; you’re not wrong to ask for help, and tracking symptoms between visits gives clinicians the data they need to make better recommendations.

6 Signs of Depression: Recognize Symptoms, Find Support, and Get Help for Severe Cases

If youve made an attempt or have a concrete plan to harm yourself, call 988 (U.S. national lifeline) or local emergency services right away; if these signs appear in someones behavior, stay with them, remove firearms and excess medicines, and wait for clinicians to arrive.

Major depressive disorder typically requires least five symptoms present during the same two-week period and representing a clear change from prior functioning; examples include persistent depressed mood, marked loss of interest in hobbies, weight or appetite changes, short sleep or hypersomnia, worse mood in the morning, psychomotor slowing or agitation, fatigue, unexplained physical pain, reduced concentration, feelings of worthlessness, and recurrent thoughts of death or an attempt.

Treatment options with strong evidence include specific psychotherapies (CBT, interpersonal therapy) and medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs; medicines usually take 4–6 weeks to improve symptoms, so clinicians will adjust dose and may switch if benefit is limited. Starting at lower doses often produces fewer side effects; primary care clinicians can begin treatment but refer to psychiatry for complex or treatment-resistant cases. Combining talk therapy and medications speeds response for many people, and some recover within months while others need care for years.

Practical steps reduce risk today: call your clinician, use national mental health services or community clinics for low-cost care, create a safety plan listing who else to call, remove lethal means, schedule morning light exposure and short activity goals, reintroduce small enjoyable hobbies, and treat coexisting physical pain through medical evaluation. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, reach out before you feel closed off, and ask a trusted person to accompany you if a clinic is closed or you need transport to emergency care.

If youre unsure what to do in this situation, contact a clinician or crisis line right now, follow through with immediate safety actions, and arrange follow-up within days so these steps become part of a stable plan to improve symptoms and daily functioning.

Six specific signs to check in daily life

If you notice five or more of the signs below persisting for at least two weeks, contact a clinician or crisis service immediately.

1. Persistent hopeless mood – Track frequency and intensity: feelings of hopelessness that last most of the day on 5–7 days per week for two weeks or more indicate clinical concern. The National Institute of Mental Health published prevalence data showing significant functional impact when symptoms persist; document onset date and any events that worsened mood.

2. Changes in sleeping and energy – Note sleeping patterns (insomnia, early-morning awakening, or hypersomnia) and energy decline. If youre sleeping 2–4 hours less than usual or sleeping much of the day and still feel tired, log sleep hours for 2 weeks and share the record with your clinician.

3. Appetite, weight and activity swings – Rapid appetite loss or gain, and marked psychomotor agitation or retardation, show up in daily routines. Keep a simple daily checklist of meals, weight changes and visible activity swings to give to your provider; objective data improves diagnosis and treatment choices.

4. Loss of interest and reduced contentment – When a person no longer enjoys hobbies, social interactions or work theyre used to liking, quantify that decline: note specific activities avoided, frequency drop versus a month ago, and who else noticed the change (family or coworkers). Loss of pleasure often precedes depressive episodes.

5. Cognitive changes and severe functional decline – Watch for slowed thinking, concentration problems, decision-making impairment or memory lapses that disrupt work or relationships. If cognitive symptoms appear with disorganized thought, hallucinations, or clear breaks from reality, escalate evaluation for psychosis or severely impaired mood.

6. Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behavior – Treat any mention of suicidal plans, rehearsing attempts, or prior attempts as an emergency. If a person says theyre suicidal or has tried to harm themself in the past, call emergency services or a lifeline now; for US callers, use 988. Involve others including family or close contacts when safe, and remove access to lethal means.

If youre concerned but not in crisis, book an appointment with a primary care clinician or mental health specialist; many providers ask about duration (weeks vs years) and prior treatments youve tried. Share any published test results, medication lists, and names of others involved in care to speed up appropriate treatment.

Persistent sadness or emptiness: how long to be concerned

Seek medical evaluation if low mood or emptiness lasts two weeks or more and interferes with work, sleep, appetite or relationships; a major depressive episode is defined clinically by at least five symptoms (including depressed mood or loss of interest) over a two‑week period.

Use screening measures such as the PHQ‑9 and GAD‑7: a PHQ‑9 score of 10 or more indicates moderate depression, 15–19 moderately severe, 20+ severe; a GAD‑7 score of 10+ flags clinically significant anxiety. american surveys report roughly 7% annual prevalence of major depressive episodes among adults, so routine screening in primary care catches many cases early.

If suicidal thoughts, severe insomnia, marked psychomotor slowing (changes in speech or movement), or inability to care for oneself appear, seek urgent care or crisis services rather than waiting two weeks. If symptoms are less severe but persistent, tell your primary care provider or a mental health specialist and share specific examples of functional decline to help doctors prioritize next steps.

Treatments that reduce risk include evidence‑based therapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy) and antidepressants; antidepressants usually take 4–6 weeks to show benefit, with some patients noticing early improvements at 2 weeks. If medication is not working after 6–8 weeks at an adequate dose, doctors commonly adjust dose or switch drugs, and theyre guided by side effects, patient preference and prior response when making those decisions.

Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs while depressed: they can be harmful, worsen anxiety and interact with antidepressants. Share current prescriptions, supplements and recreational drug use with clinicians so they can assess interactions and safety measures before moving forward with treatment.

Combine objective measures, patient report and collateral information from family or close friends along with clinical judgment: ask for follow‑up within 2–4 weeks after starting treatment, and request a clear plan for what to do if symptoms worsen. remember to tell someone you trust if you feel unsafe; clinicians can connect you with therapy, medication adjustments or emergency services when needed.

Loss of interest in hobbies or socializing: a quick self-test

If you notice losing interest, take this six-question test now and make honest notes for each item (0 = Not at all, 1 = Several days, 2 = More than half the days, 3 = Nearly every day).

1. I find pleasure in hobbies I used to enjoy.
2. I seek out social contact with friends or family.
3. I feel motivated to start small projects or tasks.
4. I cancel plans or avoid invitations more than before.
5. I notice my mood becomes negative during social situations.
6. I spend long periods withdrawing rather than reaching out.

Score total (0–18). Use this classification to interpret results and decide next steps.

• 0–3 – Minimal: only occasional symptom of losing interest; monitor for change and record periods of low interest for two weeks.
• 4–7 – Mild: behavior changes appear more often; try structured activity scheduling and contact one trusted person to share issues.
• 8–12 – Moderate: negative patterns affect daily life; reach a primary care provider or mental health professional for assessment and types of therapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy) or behavioral activation.
• 13–18 – Severe: these scores indicate high risk; acknowledge this to a clinician immediately and make concrete safety plans.

If you have suicidal thoughts, contact emergency services or a crisis line right away; do not wait. Tell them exactly what you feel and any plans, so they can act quickly. If you can, ask a friend or family member to stay with you or reach out to them for support.

Practical next steps: schedule a same-week appointment with a clinician, track daily activity and social contacts for two-week blocks, avoid recreational drugs that worsen mood, discuss antidepressants only with a prescriber, and ask about combined treatments (medication plus psychotherapy). There are screening tools and classification guides (see Schimelpfening for severity criteria) clinicians use to make treatment decisions.

Use this test as a useful screen, not a diagnosis. When scores indicate moderate or severe issues, acknowledge them openly, reach professional help, and follow an agreed plan that addresses behavior, medical options, and safety.

Sleep changes (insomnia or hypersomnia): tracking patterns that matter

Start a simple sleep log today: record bedtime, wake time, naps, awakenings, sleep latency (minutes), total sleep time, perceived quality, daytime impairment and an inventory of medications and evening substances so your clinician sees precise data.

Use concrete measures: sleep efficiency = (total sleep time / time in bed) × 100; treat sleep efficiency under 85% as clinically relevant. Flag sleep latency >30 minutes, wake after sleep onset >30 minutes, more than two awakenings per night, nightly variation >90 minutes or average sleep <6 hours (insomnia) or>9–10 hours with excessive sleepiness (hypersomnia). Mark mild changes separately from sustained patterns.

Track for 14–28 days and include calendar dates (for example april 1–14) so you can compare weekly averages. When you calculate weekly means, note variability and trends; a consistent shift of more than 60–90 minutes or worsening over two weeks signals need for intervention. Future measures should include weekday/weekend splits and timing of caffeine, alcohol and naps.

Apply specific sleep-hygiene actions tied to your log: set a fixed wake time, limit naps to 20–30 minutes before 3pm, avoid caffeine after early afternoon, stop screen light 60 minutes before bed, and stop working in bed so the bedroom cues sleep. If tasks and concentration decline, use the log to time restorative breaks and adjust workload to reduce daytime impairment.

Seek evaluation if sleep patterns worsen or you experience high worry, marked loss of interests, withdrawal from friends, feelings of hopelessness or talk about goodbye, psychomotor retardation or suicidal thoughts. Medications can help but carry side effects and interact with sleep architecture–give your prescriber the medication inventory and discuss additional treatments such as CBT-I; studies including a report by schimelpfening found behavioral treatments often outperform sedative-only approaches.

Use the log for collaboration: bring finding summaries and averages to appointments, list the measures you changed, and agree on a future review date (two to four weeks). If improvement looks unlikely on simple measures, request additional assessment for mood disorders, medication review, or sleep study referral–giving precise data speeds diagnosis and treatment.

Appetite or weight shifts: when changes point to depression

Contact your primary care or mental healthcare provider and seek evaluation when you notice an unexplained appetite change or a weight shift of 5% or more within one month, or a persistent appetite change lasting two weeks.

Depression causes both reduced appetite and increased eating: some people lose weight and energy, others gain weight through emotional eating. Report accompanying symptoms such as severe fatigue, unexplained aches or pains, sleep disruption, loss of interest in usual activities, or suicidal thoughts; these signs help clinicians determine whether someone is depressed and how severely.

Track specifics: note daily calories or portions, wake and sleep times, activity levels and mood ratings, and bring that content with you to appointments. Simple tools–paper logs, a weight chart or a two-week mood-and-food app–reveal patterns that questionnaires alone miss. Record whether changes have been sudden or gradual and whether they align with outside stressors, medication starts, or menstrual cycle shifts.

Consider medical and psychosocial factors that produce conflicting signals: thyroid disease, diabetes, steroids, antipsychotics or some antidepressants can cause weight gain; infections, cancer or gastrointestinal problems can cause loss of appetite. In people assigned female at birth, hormonal cycle changes and perimenopause can alter appetite; women who are pregnant or postpartum need prompt assessment to separate biological from mood-related causes.

If you have a history of bipolar disorder, flag that early–antidepressant monotherapy can worsen mood cycling, and appetite shifts may precede manic or depressive episodes. Ask your provider whether screening for past hypomania has been done before medication changes.

When to seek urgent help: if appetite loss causes severe dehydration, rapid weight loss, inability to eat for several days, extreme fatigue or suicidal thinking, go to emergency care. For non-urgent but significant changes, schedule a primary care appointment, bring your log and list of medications, and ask for basic labs (TSH, CBC, glucose) and a mental health referral.

To reduce long-term impact, combine short-term fixes with sustained steps: address reversible medical causes, adjust medications that contribute to weight change, work with a dietitian or therapist, and use behaviorally specific tools such as a 14-day meal-and-mood diary and PHQ-9 scores to measure response. These concrete actions help clinicians link symptoms to a type of mood disorder, separate conflicting causes, and tailor treatment based on your experiences and risk factors.

Fatigue, slowed thinking, or concentration loss: simple checks for impairment

Use three short, timed checks you can do in 5–7 minutes: serial subtraction (100 − 7 five times), a clock-drawing task (set hands to 10 past 11), and a 3-meter walk-and-turn (Timed Up and Go). Record time, errors, and any pain that limits movement; abnormal results suggest you should assess further.

Apply quick numeric thresholds: PHQ-9 score ≥10 suggests possible major depression; MoCA <26 or mmse <24 indicates cognitive impairment. for mobility, tug>12–13.5 seconds raises concern about functional slowing. Note these cutoffs guide action, not diagnosis.

Compare tests with complaints and observation: if self-reported fatigue and slowed thinking appear conflicting with test performance, seek collateral history from family or caregivers and request feedback from work or school. Conflicting results could reflect fluctuating attention, poor sleep, medication effects, or pain limiting effort.

Ask targeted differential questions: have you felt unusually energetic or manic? Have you had increased libido or racing thoughts? Positive answers shift evaluation toward bipolar spectrum disorders and change treatment choices; many treatments for depression can worsen manic states.

Screen for sleep and medical contributors: use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (score >10 suggests excessive daytime sleepiness) and ask about recent infections, thyroid symptoms, or medication changes. Researchers published evidence that sleep loss increases reaction time and reduces executive control, which often mimics depression-related slowing.

If they are anxious or report high pain levels, expect slower responses and greater variability on cognitive checks; anxious people may concentrate better on narrow tasks yet report global impairment. Share quick management options: short sleep-hygiene measures, structured activity, brief CBT techniques, or pharmacy review for sedating drugs.

For people wanting nonpharmacologic approaches, offer natural ways that could help attention and energy: daylight exposure 20–30 minutes each morning, progressive resistance exercise 3×/week, and scheduled naps limited to 20 minutes. Track symptom change with a simple daily log and review after two weeks.

Respond promptly if screening shows marked decline, new functional loss, suicidal ideation, or progressive cognitive impairment; national guidelines recommend referral to neurology or psychiatry for further testing when everyday tasks become unsafe. Provide printed results and ask the person to share them with their clinician to speed appropriate evaluation.