Depression is a mental health condition that affects thoughts, emotions, and daily functioning. Early identification of common signs helps individuals and families respond before symptoms worsen.
Mental health experts list several key indicators of depression, including persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
These symptoms often last more than two weeks and interfere with everyday life.
1. Changes in Daily Habits and Energy Levels
A notable sign of depression is disruption in daily routines. People may wake up late, oversleep, or struggle to get out of bed. Changes in appetite — such as skipping breakfast or losing interest in food — are also common. Persistent tiredness and low energy, even after rest, can make simple tasks feel overwhelming.
2. Loss of Pleasure and Interest
One symptom of depression is anhedonia — a marked loss of pleasure in hobbies, social interactions, or leisure activities that were once enjoyable.
Individuals may feel emotionally numb or indifferent toward events they previously looked forward to.
3. Behavioural and Cognitive Changes
Behavioural changes may be subtle but meaningful. Reaching for a phone first thing in the morning may reflect avoidance of daily responsibilities.
Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or “brain fog” can affect work, studies, and decision-making.
4. Emotional Instability
Depression often manifests as mood fluctuations that go beyond normal emotional responses. Persistent irritability, frustration, or emotional swings are common, even when external stressors are minimal.
Heightened feelings of frustration and fatigue that are not proportional to daily events may also appear.
5. When to Seek Help
Recognising these signs is important because depression is treatable. Health professionals assess symptom severity and recommend appropriate interventions, including counselling, therapy, and lifestyle support.
If signs persist for more than two weeks, significantly disrupt daily life, or include thoughts of self-harm, seeking help from a healthcare provider is strongly advised.
Understanding these signals can guide timely action, helping individuals and families respond with care and support in a context where mental health awareness is increasingly recognised as vital for overall wellbeing.