Symptoms

Depression is characterised by a persistent low mood which affects the ability to carry out everyday activities. It is more than just feeling 'down' for a short while. The symptoms of depression can include the following:

• An acute and persistent sense of despair, sadness and hopelessness that seems to have little correlation to life circumstances
• A lack of interest or pleasure in most activities
• Feelings of sluggishness, fatigue, or agitation
• Certainty that everything is worthless and hopeless
• Preoccupation with thoughts of suicide or death
• Sleeping too little or sleeping too much
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Dramatic changes in working and social patterns
• Social withdrawal
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Decreased sexual energy (libido)