Signs of Depression

People experience depression in different ways.  Symptoms can vary from feeling generally miserable and unhappy and not knowing why, to having feelings so severe that they interfere with your daily life. 

It can be difficult to know the difference between "feeling down" or "having a rough day" and experiencing depression.  When the feelings you have start to affect your ability to live your day-to-day life, you may want to talk with someone about the possibility that you may be experiencing depression.  People who experience depression sometimes use alcohol or drugs to cover up or deal with the symptoms they feel.  However, this can lead to substance use disorder. 

Signs and symptoms in adults:

• Feeling helpless or hopeless or worthless
• Loss of interest in normal daily activities and/or sex
• Feeling sad or down without knowing why
• Crying spells for no apparent reason
• Changes in sleep (inability to sleep, waking in early morning hours, or excessive sleeping)
• Trouble concentrating or focusing
• Unintentional weight gain or loss or changes in appetite
• Loss of energy; feeling weak or fatigued
• Irritability or being easily annoyed
• Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior

Signs and symptoms in men (in addition to those listed above):

• Decrease in ability to tolerate stress
• Problems with making decisions; uncertainness
• Aggressive or violent or impulsive behavior
• Deliberate excessive physical activity or indulging in extreme sports

Signs and symptoms in teens:

• Hopelessness or sadness
• Irritability, anger, or hostility
• Frequent crying or tearfulness
• Self-isolation or withdrawal from family and friends
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in sleeping and eating habits
• Agitation or restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Lack of enthusiasm or motivation
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Could you or someone you know have a problem with drugs or alcohol with depression?  Call 303.657.3700 or e-mail info@ahinc.org for inpatient or outpatient help. Phone lines are open Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.