Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. A depressed person will experience or display some of the following: [1]
- Persistent sadness, anxiety or feelings of emptiness
- Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and/or pessimism.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Contemplating suicide or suicide attempt
- Problems concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Persistent aches, pains or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment
- Irritability or restlessness
- Insomnia, waking early, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Loss of interest in activities that once were pleasurable (e.g., hobbies, sex, social activities, etc.)
For a discussion of mental illnesses featuring depression, with links to articles on each type of depression, see Mood disorders.