Smiling is good and part of life. However, smiling all the time is not normal. So is sadness. Getting sad from time to time is part of life. Feeling sad all the time is not normal.
There are three levels of depression: mild, moderate or severe. However, is not about the levels of depression, what matters is to know that there is an effective treatment for all depressive episodes.
12 psychological depression symptoms
The psychological symptoms of clinical depression include:
- continuous low mood or sadness
- feeling hopeless and helpless
- having low self-esteem
- feeling tearful
- feeling worthless or guilt-ridden
- feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- having no motivation or interest in things
- finding it difficult to make decisions
- not getting any enjoyment out of life
- irritable mood
- feeling anxious or worried
- having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself.
8 physical depression symptoms
The physical symptoms of clinical depression include:
- moving or speaking slower than usual
- changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
- constipation
- unexplained aches and pains
- lack of energy
- low sex drive (loss of libido)
- changes to your menstrual cycle
- disturbed sleep – difficulty falling asleep, waking up early or sleeping more than usual.
4 social depression symptoms
The social symptoms of clinical depression include:
- not doing well at work
- avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities
- neglecting your hobbies and interests
- having difficulties in your home and family life.
Depression is already considered by World Health Organization as a common mental disorder. Worldwide, at least 264 million people of all ages face depression.
The Health Service Executive in Ireland warns that if the feeling of sadness lasts more than two weeks it is necessary to seek medical help.
(Source: HSE.ie and WHO)
