What is Depression?

A depressed mood during most of the day, especially in the morning.

Symptoms of Depression:

1. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
A bleak outlook – nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

2. Loss of interest in daily activities 
You don’t care anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

3. Appetite or weight changes
Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

4. Sleep changes
Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.

5. Anger or irritability 
Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

6. Loss of energy 
Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

7. Self-loathing 
Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

8. Reckless behavior 
You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

9. Concentration problems
Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

10. Unexplained aches and pains 
An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.