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Depressive disorder—also known as depression or major depressive disorder—is a psychiatric (mental health) disorder that affects your mood. Depression can cause a variety of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms.
A common misinterpretation about people with depression is that they are just sad. However, depression is more than having a bad day or going through a rough patch. People who have depression typically experience chronic symptoms, meaning they have symptoms for more than two weeks at a time. Symptoms can limit your ability to function and reduce your quality of life.1
Depression is a common, but severe mood disorder which affects nearly 280 million people globally each year. Knowing the symptoms can help you or a loved one receive necessary support and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.2
Emotional Symptoms
Each person experiences depression differently. Some people might only have a few symptoms that get better over time, while others have several symptoms that may get worse. Depression can also be hard to detect because some people may choose to hide their pain and feel their emotions in private.
One of the hallmark types of symptoms people with depression experience are emotional symptoms—or, symptoms that affect your mood. These symptoms may include:1
Extreme sadness
Anxious thoughts
Hopelessness
Pessimism or a negative outlook on life
Irritability
Guilt
Frustration
Restlessness
What Is High-Functioning Depression?
Behavioral Symptoms
If you begin to experience emotional symptoms, it is common to also notice changes in your behavior—and that’s OK. Many people with depressive disorder may experience changes in their sleep schedules, appetite, and energy levels, among other aspects of your daily life.
Behavioral symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:1
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy
Trouble concentrating on the task at hand
Feeling like you have no energy
Not having the motivation to exercise or move your body
Difficulty making decisions
Having a hard time remembering details
Trouble falling asleep
Sleeping too much
Loss of appetite
Urge to overeat
Avoiding social situations and spending time with loved ones
Thinking about or attempting self-harm or suicide