Self-help program
What are the symptoms of depression?
A single symptom doesn’t yet mean depression. Depression refers to an illness in which various symptoms occur continuously over a longer period of time.
Depressive symptoms are not always easy to recognize on your own. If someone close to you is concerned about how you’re feeling, consider listening to them.
In the following video (1:42), Chief Physician Suoma Saarni explains when you should react to a low mood and seek help.
Typical symptoms of depression
Symptoms related to mood and self-esteem
- prolonged low mood
- irritability
- recurrent thoughts related to death
- decreased self-confidence
- increased self-blame
- difficulty making decisions
- lack of interest in things that previously brought pleasure
- difficulties with concentration
Physical symptoms
- exhaustion and fatigue
- reduced functioning and lack of productivity
- unexplained physical symptoms (headaches, nausea, muscle pain)
- changes in appetite
- sleep disturbances (excessive sleeping, waking in the early morning, and difficulty falling back asleep)
How does depression affect daily life?
Depression develops gradually.
You might notice the first signs when your sense of control over daily life begins to weaken. Difficulty managing daily life is often reflected in home life. Dishes are left undone and the home uncleaned, and you may no longer have the energy to care about the mess.
In the early stages of depression, ability to work and ability to function outside the home may still appear good for quite some time, even though signs of depression are otherwise clearly noticeable.
Seek help and address issues early so depression doesn’t progress too far.
The foundations of everyday well-being are built from several factors
- a healthy balance between rest and activity
- physical exercise
- healthy nutrition
- minimizing substance use
- enough activity that feels meaningful or provides a sense of accomplishment
What does depression feel like?
In the following video (2:49), people who have experienced depression describe the kinds of symptoms depression causes for them.
Exercise: My symptoms
Goal
You will identify what kinds of symptoms are part of your depression.
Instructions
Depression is an illness in which various symptoms occur continuously over a longer period of time.
Review the list of symptoms above. List your symptoms as precisely as possible.
Remember
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders.
Early recognition and starting treatment are important.