What are the obvious symptoms of depression?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Obvious manifestations of depression include persistent low mood, markedly reduced interest, significant lack of energy, impaired cognitive function, and frequent physical symptoms. These symptoms continuously affect daily life and social functioning. If such symptoms persist for more than two weeks, prompt medical attention is recommended. Individuals may experience prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, tearfulness, or unexplained irritability.
Obvious manifestations of depression include persistent low mood, significantly reduced interest, marked lack of energy, impaired cognitive function, and frequent physical symptoms. These symptoms continuously affect daily life and social functioning. If such symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is recommended to seek medical help promptly.
1. Persistent low mood: remaining in a state of sadness or emptiness for prolonged periods, easily crying or feeling irritable without apparent reason, having difficulty responding positively to others' comfort, being unable to relieve negative emotions independently, and possibly experiencing feelings of hopelessness in severe cases.
2. Markedly reduced interest: losing interest in previously enjoyed hobbies and social activities, unwillingness to participate in group events, distancing from family and friends, deliberately avoiding social situations, and retreating into isolation.
3. Marked lack of energy: constantly feeling fatigued during daily activities, becoming easily exhausted even after minor exertion, having difficulty concentrating, requiring excessive effort to complete simple tasks, and experiencing persistent drowsiness despite poor sleep quality.
4. Cognitive decline: slowed thinking and delayed reactions,明显 memory loss, reduced decision-making ability, excessive self-criticism, frequent feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and in some cases, thoughts of suicide.
5. Frequent physical symptoms: recurrent headaches, dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, gastrointestinal disturbances leading to decreased appetite or binge eating, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia, early morning awakening, or hypersomnia.
Paying close attention to your emotional changes, allowing yourself emotional fluctuations, and avoiding excessive self-criticism are important. Actively engaging in mild outdoor activities and breathing fresh air, as well as openly communicating with trusted individuals to release inner stress, can gradually alleviate negative states.
