Depression
You may have major depressive disorder (MDD) if, for more than 2 weeks, you've been experiencing 5 or more of the diagnostic symptoms of depression found in the chart below. One of the symptoms must be either sadness or loss of interest, and the symptoms should clearly interfere with your life. Additionally, you may have some of the associated symptoms of depression. These symptoms alone do not mean you have depression. If you experience any of these symptoms see a mental health provider.
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Diagnostic Symptoms of Depression in Adults
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Emotional Symptoms:
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Sadness
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Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
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Thoughts of death or suicide*
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Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
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Physical Symptoms:
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Restlessness or slowness of speech, thought, or activity
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Trouble concentrating or making decisions
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Lack of energy
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Changes in weight/appetite
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Changes in sleep
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Associated Symptoms of Depression:
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Aches and pains
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Tearfulness
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Excessive worry over physical health
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Dwelling on negative thoughts
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Constantly turning things over in your mind
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Irritability
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Anxiety
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Phobias
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Someone with depression might think or say any of the following:
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"I feel sad all the time and just don't feel like myself."
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"I don't enjoy being with my friends or doing any of the things I usually love to do."
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"Sometimes I feel like my life is not worth living anymore."
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"I feel like I don't have any energy."
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"I'm not really interested in eating."
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"Even after a long day, I still feel restless."
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"I feel so indecisive and I can't make any decisions."
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"I just feel so worthless."
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"I have trouble sleeping."
*Thoughts of death or suicide are known symptoms of depression. If you feel like giving up, or as though you might hurt yourself, get immediate help: call your healthcare provider, go to the emergency room, call 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1‐800‐SUICIDE (1‐800‐784‐2433).
