Symptoms of Depression
Feb 05, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ligong
Introduction
Symptoms of Depression:
1. Pessimism and negative thinking;
2. Decreased appetite—complete loss of interest in food, including previously enjoyed foods;
3. Low motivation and diminished emotional vitality—experiencing feelings of emptiness, helplessness, and sadness nearly every day;
4. Slowed thinking—difficulty concentrating, impaired cognitive clarity, and trouble making decisions;
5. Suicidal ideation.
Depression, also known as depressive disorder, is the most common type of mood disorder. Each episode lasts at least two weeks—sometimes extending to several years—and most cases tend to recur. Depression poses serious threats to patients’ physical and mental health. So, what are the symptoms of depression? Below is an overview.
Symptoms of Depression
1. Pessimism and Negativity
Pessimism and negativity are common symptoms of depression, characterized by a persistent negative and hopeless outlook. Individuals typically experience low mood nearly every day, lack motivation to solve problems when facing difficulties, automatically anticipate adverse outcomes, and view situations with profound pessimism.
2. Reduced Appetite
Loss of appetite is another frequent symptom of depression, manifesting as a complete lack of interest in food—even in previously enjoyed dishes. Moreover, depression may trigger two extreme eating patterns: marked anorexia (refusal to eat) or sudden episodes of binge eating. Consequently, individuals may experience either significant weight loss or weight gain.
3. Psychomotor Retardation and Apathy
Psychomotor retardation and apathy are hallmark symptoms of depression, reflected in persistent feelings of emptiness, helplessness, and sadness nearly every day. Affected individuals often lose interest in—or derive no pleasure from—nearly all activities for most of the day. Unexplained crying spells are also common. Additionally, sleep disturbances frequently precede or accompany depression, including difficulty falling asleep, light or fragmented sleep, frequent awakenings, and early-morning awakening.
4. Cognitive Slowing
Cognitive slowing is a typical feature of depression, resulting in impaired clarity of thought and difficulty making even minor decisions. Patients often struggle to concentrate, leading to markedly reduced efficiency in daily life and work. They may also become unusually quiet and withdrawn.
5. Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation is a serious and common symptom of depression. While healthy individuals rarely contemplate suicide, those with depression may repeatedly experience intrusive thoughts of ending their lives to escape suffering. Some may feel no fear of death, perceiving it instead as a form of relief—and may even develop specific, detailed suicide plans.
The above outlines the primary symptoms of depression: pessimism and negativity, reduced appetite, psychomotor retardation and apathy, cognitive slowing, and suicidal ideation. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you a happy and fulfilling life!
