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Key Symptoms of Depression: Understanding the Behaviour of Someone with Depression

Depressive disorder, commonly known as depression, is a widespread mental health condition that significantly affects mood. It often leads to persistent sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities over extended periods. Depression can impact all areas of life, including family and social relationships, academic performance, and work productivity, potentially lowering overall quality of life.

Anyone can experience depression, but it is more common among individuals who have gone through psychological trauma, such as abuse, the loss of a loved one, or harsh life circumstances. Studies show that women are more likely to experience depression than men.

Depression symptoms vary and can be physical, psychological, or behavioural. The severity of behaviours associated with depression also differs depending on the individual’s age and the type of depression, whether mild or severe.

It’s essential to understand that depression is not just a temporary feeling of sadness—it is a serious mental health condition that requires professional support and treatment. Through the Estenarh platform, you can connect with licensed health practitioners and experts with complete privacy and security.

Learn more about the behaviours of people with depression and explore treatment options through the Estenarh app. Download it now.

Physical, Psychological, and Behavioural Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms vary widely from person to person, and they can last for weeks or even months. These symptoms and behaviours can become so severe that they interfere with the individual’s work, social life, and family relationships.

Psychological Symptoms of Depression

• A deep sense of sadness with no clear reason
• Constant urge to cry or scream without justification
• Irritability and quick temper
• Intense feelings of guilt
• Low self-esteem
• Loss of hope and feelings of despair
• A pessimistic outlook on life
• Persistent fear and anxiety
• Severe emotional exhaustion
• Lack of motivation to engage in any activity
• Sudden mood changes
• In some cases, disconnection from reality
• Constant self-blame
• Pretending to be happy in front of others
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Behavioural Symptoms of Depression

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Personality changes, such as shifting from calm to easily angered
• Self-harm or engaging in risky behaviours
• Making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences
• Feeling unwilling to get out of bed
• Difficulty making decisions and constant hesitation
• Avoiding social events and withdrawing from others
• Turning to unhealthy habits like smoking or alcohol to escape reality
• Spending most of the time alone with no desire for interaction
• In some cases, attempting suicide

Physical Symptoms of Depression

• Unexplained body aches, such as headaches or stomach cramps
• Changes in appetite, either overeating to cope with stress or loss of appetite leading to weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing, often linked to anxiety and depression
• Low energy levels and persistent fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
• Slowed movement or speech
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Digestive issues like constipation

Depression Symptoms by Age Group

Depression symptoms and behaviours can vary significantly depending on a person's age due to the influence of emotional development, biological changes, and diverse life experiences, making it essential for both diagnosis and treatment to be tailored to meet the unique needs of each age group.

Depression Symptoms in Children and Teenagers

Depression symptoms in children: Symptoms of depression may appear as persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, excessive attachment to parents, and unexplained physical complaints. Other signs include avoiding school, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Depression symptoms in teenagers: Depression may manifest as ongoing sadness or anger, loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of worthlessness, poor academic performance or frequent school absences, extreme sensitivity and a sense of not being understood, sleep and eating disorders, social withdrawal, and in some cases, experimenting with smoking, alcohol, or drugs, or engaging in self-harm.

Depression Symptoms in the Elderly

Aging brings various physical, emotional, and psychological challenges, but depression is not a normal part of the aging process and should never be ignored. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed or untreated in older adults, as many may hesitate to seek help.

Symptoms of depression in seniors can be less obvious compared to other age groups and may include:

• Memory issues or noticeable changes in personality
• Constant fatigue or lack of energy
• Unexplained physical pain with no clear medical cause
• Loss of interest in social activities or prolonged periods spent at home
• Sleep disturbances or appetite loss

The Journey to Recovery from Depression

Recovery from depression is a journey that requires patience and support from family, friends, and professionals, regardless of how intense a person's depressive behaviours may seem. The good news is that healing is possible when the right steps are taken. It all starts with recognising the issue and seeking help from mental health experts. Most importantly, it involves believing that improvement is possible and that every small step toward wellness contributes to overall progress.

Don't hesitate to ask for help! Depression is not a weakness; it's a condition that deserves care and attention.

Looking for support? Our digital platform allows you to easily connect with experienced healthcare professionals. With the Estenarh app, you can book your sessions with a single tap, confidentially and securely, with the highest standards of data protection. Start your journey to recovery today.