According to the American Psychological Association, depression is characterized by extreme sadness or despair that lasts for more than a few days. It significantly interferes with daily activities and can lead to physical symptoms such as pain, weight loss or gain, disruptions in sleep patterns, and a lack of energy. Everyone can be prone to depression—people of various ages, race, genders, and socioeconomic status. However, certain risk factors make one person more likely to have it than the other. Diagnoses can also be black and white at times. It will only say a person either has or does not have depression. It seems to not recognize the grey linings that a person may fall under.

That being said, it’s helpful to spot yourself, or people around you, for signs that you may have or be developing depression. Some of these signs include the following:

1. A depressed mood for a long period of time
2. Very low motivation
3. Loss of interest in hobbies and other things a person used to love
4. Frequent isolation
5. Too much or too less sleep
6. Engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms (alcohol, drugs, nicotine, etc.)
7. Experiencing significant difficulty in various aspects of life (family, school, work, community, etc.)
   
   

Depression symptoms in children and teens

Children and adolescents can also experience depression. While some of the signs may overlap with those seen in adults, there are notable differences in how these symptoms can manifest in younger individuals.

In younger children:

1. Sadness
2. Irritability
3. Clinginess
4. Worry
5. Aches and Pains
6. Refusing to attend school
7. Weight problems

In teens, symptoms may include:

1. Sadness
2. Irritability
3. Feeling Negative and Worthless
4. Anger
5. Poor Performance or Poor Attendance at School
6. Feeling Misunderstood and Extremely Sensitive
7. Using Recreational Drugs or Alcohol
8. Eating or Sleeping too much, Self-harm
9. Loss of interest in normal activities, and
10. Avoidance of social interaction.
    
    

Depression symptoms in older adults

Depression should never be regarded as a part of growing older and should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, depression among older adults often goes undiagnosed and untreated as they may feel reluctant in seeking help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:

1. Memory difficulties or personality changes
2. Physical aches or pain
3. Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication
4. Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things
5. Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men

Conclusion

Depression is a health condition that can affect individuals regardless of their age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. It is crucial to be vigilant about the signs and symptoms of depression in ourselves and the people around us. These symptoms can manifest differently in children, teenagers, adults, and older adults. By understanding and recognizing these signs, we can provide better support and encourage those who are suffering from depression to seek help. With the right support, depression can be treated, and recovery is indeed very possible.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of depression can be the first step of recovery for both for yourself and for someone you care about. To gain an in-depth knowledge about this topic, reach out to our happiness coaches. Please click here: https://glsuccess.com/services/happiness-with-self/

By reading our blog; How to Know if Depression is Present or Developing in a Person, you’ve gained valuable insights into the observable symptoms of depression. We appreciate your visit and hope that you’ll share this with your circle.