What are the early symptoms of depression?

Depression often presents with various early warning signs, primarily including low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and slowed thinking. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Low mood: In the early stages, brief but frequent episodes of low mood commonly occur. Individuals show little emotional response to positive life events and may easily become irritated or sad over minor issues. This low mood is not necessarily triggered by specific events and tends to last longer over time, making it difficult to self-regulate.

2. Loss of interest: There is a noticeable decline in enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities, such as abandoning hobbies or avoiding social engagements. Even when participating in activities involuntarily, individuals derive no pleasure and instead prefer to be alone, actively avoiding interactions with others.

3. Fatigue: People feel exhausted even after routine activities, and rest does not fully restore their energy. Tasks and household chores that were once easily managed now feel strenuous. Movements may slow down, and initiative noticeably declines.

4. Sleep disturbances: Early symptoms often include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or early morning awakening. In some cases, excessive sleeping may occur. Poor sleep quality leads to increased daytime drowsiness, creating a vicious cycle where greater fatigue results in worse sleep.

5. Slowed thinking: Mental processing slows down, concentration becomes difficult, and memory declines—individuals often forget recent plans or tasks. Decision-making becomes hesitant, and judgment may weaken.

These early symptoms are often mild and easily overlooked. However, if such signs persist for more than two weeks, timely self-awareness and proactive intervention can effectively delay disease progression and support recovery to a healthier state.