Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but common symptoms include low mood, fatigue and low motivation, changes in appetite, and aches and pains, among others.
Clinical depression is formally known as major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s a mental health condition with set diagnostic criteria that go beyond sadness.
Most U.S. mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), a reference handbook that lists the formal symptoms of most mental health conditions.
Read about screenings for depression.
Help is available
It’s possible to manage depression and find relief. Treatment is available and effective. Untreated depression may lead to more severe symptoms.
Consider finding a mental health professional who can help you develop coping skills and implement management strategies.
Read about ways to cope with depression symptoms.
Based on the DSM-5-TR, a mental health professional may diagnose depression if you persistently experience five or more of the following symptoms for at least 2 consecutive weeks.
Read about symptoms of depression in women and in men.
Depressed or low mood
The most common symptom of depression is a feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. This symptom may vary in intensity and could come and go during the day, but it will be present every or most days.
It’s possible to have depression without experiencing evident sadness or hopelessness, though. If that is your case, a mental health professional will only reach a depression diagnosis if you experience the next symptom in this list.
Loss of interest or pleasure
Depression can make you feel indifferent or uninterested in people, activities, or goals you used to enjoy. You may have difficulty finding pleasure or seeing the bright side of things. This is formally known as anhedonia.
Your desire for sex or ability to enjoy it may also be reduced if you have depression. You may also find yourself unable to experience or express emotions; something referred to as flat affect.
It’s possible to experience both low mood and loss of interest if you have depression, although a diagnosis requires only one of them to be a persistent symptom.
Changes in appetite and weight
You may eat more or less than your usual if you have depression. Because of this, you could also experience rapid changes in body weight.
Changes in sleep patterns
Depression may also make you want to sleep more than usual or lead to difficulty falling or staying asleep. You may feel sleepy even after a whole night of sleep or tired but unable to rest.
Changes in movement patterns
You may move in a different way when you have depression. You could walk or use your hands quicker or slower than usual. You may be aware of this, or others may comment on it, even if you don’t feel that’s the case.
Loss of energy
Feeling tired and unmotivated is a common symptom of depression. You may have a difficult time getting out of bed or find that small tasks leave you exhausted or take more effort.
You may feel overwhelmed just from thinking about making an effort, and things like personal hygiene may also be affected.
Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
You may blame yourself for things beyond your control or even feel guilty for not “having enough reasons” to have depression. You may also feel inadequate or “not enough,” which may further affect your mood.
Trouble concentrating
A sudden difficulty making decisions or focusing on everyday tasks may also be a symptom of depression. You may sometimes feel distracted or confused or experience what some call “brain fog.” This may include trouble following conversations, understanding instructions, or completing tasks.
Thoughts of self-harm or death
Depression can lead to thoughts of death or suicide or an urge to hurt yourself. You may feel like you don’t want to go on or that there’s no point in overcoming your challenges.
Read more about how to reach out during a mental health crisis.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you’re not alone. Help is available right now:
- Call or text a crisis hotline, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide or International Association for Suicide Prevention.
- Call the Trans Lifeline, the only hotline run by and for trans people, at 877-565-8860.
- The Trevor Project provides crisis support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Call their hotline at 866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678.
- Text HAND to the Deaf Crisis Line at 839862.
Read more about developing a self-harm safety plan.
Depression is a personal experience that may feel or look differently from person to person. What you feel is valid, even if it isn’t part of the list of formal symptoms.
Some people with depression may also experience the following symptoms:
- cry spells without apparent reason
- irritability or anxiety
- feeling numb
- anger
- loneliness
- unexplained pains and aches and low immunity
- low tolerance to frustration
- restlessness
Read about how to know if depression is getting worse.
Depression is clinically known as major depressive disorder. Formal symptoms include low or sad mood, inability to enjoy, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of shame or guilt, and thoughts of self-harm and death, among others.
Untreated depression may lead to more severe symptoms. Depression can be managed, and relief is possible. A mental health professional can support you in developing coping strategies.
Read about online help for depression.