How to Recognize Depression: Key Signs from Experts

Everyone has off days when gloom sets in and joy feels out of reach. If these feelings linger, it could indicate depression. Learn how to spot it with guidance from Koko Beers, spokesperson for the Brain Foundation.

Recognizing Depression

Depression is diagnosed when someone experiences at least one of these core symptoms for two weeks or more:

• A depressed or gloomy mood most of the day, nearly every day (irritability in children, youth, or older adults).
• Marked loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the day, nearly every day.

Also read: What is depression?

If both core symptoms are present, at least three additional symptoms must occur. If only one core symptom, then four additional ones:

• Significant decrease or increase in appetite or weight change;
• Sleep disturbances: insomnia or hypersomnia;
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation;
• Fatigue or loss of energy;
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt;
• Diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions;
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Symptoms vary by individual. Depression causes significant emotional distress and impairs daily and work functioning.

In the video below, psychologist Merel Hovestad explains how to identify depression in yourself or others.

{{video poster=https://www.sante.nl/app/uploads/2019/02/depression.jpg src=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHr05RNzrwA}}

Also read: There are five different types of depression

Text: Jolien van der Kamp-Gielleit | Image: Shutterstock