Major Depression Symptoms

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression is among the most common mental illnesses in the United States.  The World Health Organization estimates that depression affects around 5% of the population worldwide, and it’s a leading cause of disability around the globe as well. 

Depression is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics/family history, medical history, life experiences, and an imbalance of brain chemicals. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, but effective treatment is available. Read on to learn about five of the most common signs of major depressive disorder and how they manifest. Then, we’ll discuss treatment options for this mental health condition and how you can seek treatment yourself if needed.

Note that to be diagnosed with the illness called major depressive disorder per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), an individual will typically need to exhibit at least five clinical signs, including low mood and loss of interest or pleasure for at least two weeks, and these must not be explainable by another medical condition. 

What mental health care providers look for to make a diagnosis

Five signs on the official list of possible symptoms of major depressive disorder—which include both emotional and physical problems and signs—are as follows. Mental health care providers will typically look for these and others if they might diagnose depression in an individual. Keep in mind that they’re not the only possible symptoms of depression, however; others can include everything from irritability and fatigue to physical aches, chronic pain, and other physical problems.

1. Persistent low mood that affects mental health

One of the signs of mental health conditions like depressive disorders that people usually think of first is low mood. This can manifest as feeling sad, empty, hopeless, and even worthless or guilty. An individual experiencing this symptom might also cry often, especially without a specific cause, and feel generally pessimistic. 

Note, however, that feelings of sadness alone are not necessarily enough to qualify as depression. Feeling sad from time to time is normal, and it’s common especially after someone has experienced a difficult or frustrating life event. However, the sadness one may feel with depression doesn’t always have a cause or source the individual can pinpoint; instead, it’s often a pervasive, ongoing sense. 

2. Loss of interest, pleasure, or enjoyment

Another hallmark symptom of clinical depression is a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, also known as anhedonia. This loss is typically significant, lasting, and is either subjective or noticed by others. It can include a loss of interest in hobbies, socializing, food/eating, and/or physical intimacy. 

It may feel like you’re simply unable to derive pleasure or comfort from the things you once enjoyed, which can be a concerning and even frightening symptom to notice in yourself or in a loved one. Depression can have many possible contributing factors, but this symptom in particular is thought to be caused by low serotonin levels in the brain.

3. Changes in appetite and/or weight 

A person’s appetite and weight may change significantly if they’re experiencing major depressive disorder. For those experiencing anhedonia, food—even their favorite items or dishes—may no longer be appealing. They may have a weak appetite overall, which can lead to less food intake and weight loss. Note that weight loss that’s due to medical conditions or another cause may not qualify as a symptom of depression.

Others may turn to “comfort foods” when experiencing the difficult moments of depression, which are often high in fat, sugar, and calories. Although research suggests these foods may temporarily stimulate the brain to enhance mood, the effects won’t last. People who self-medicate with food may also be at risk for significant weight gain that may cause health problems, and their depression symptoms are likely to persist without professional treatment.

4. Changes in sleeping patterns

According to one study on the topic published by the National Institute of Health, some form of sleep disturbance is so common in individuals with MDD that it was “formerly regarded as a main secondary manifestation of depression.” The way sleep problems manifest can vary from person to person. Some people with major depressive disorder find it difficult to sleep at night, which can escalate to clinical insomnia. Others experience hypersomnia instead, which is characterized by sleeping longer than usual at night and still being sleepy throughout the day. Both conditions can make daily functioning even more difficult and may exacerbate other ailments.

5. Thoughts or behaviors related to self-harm

When severe hopelessness is present, individuals may turn to destructive outlets to cope. They may engage in physical self-harm or excessive substance use, and they may even experience thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts, which may lead to suicide attempts. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “the vast majority” of those with severe depression do not take or attempt to take their own lives, but they are more likely to do so than those who are not experiencing depression. This is a key reason why seeking treatment for depression as soon as possible can be crucial.

Exploring treatment options for major depressive disorder

Seeking professional treatment for depression or other mental health conditions is typically recommended. This mental health condition is considered treatable—typically through psychotherapy, sometimes in combination with medication like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (you can ask a doctor about potential side effects). Lifestyle changes may also help mitigate symptoms in tandem with professional treatment. For example, research suggests that exercise may have “significant effects” on reducing depression and could even help prevent depression in some cases. 

Depression is treated through a type of talk therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, in many cases. Its aim is to teach an individual to recognize their core beliefs and how these affect their thoughts, since thoughts can affect feelings and behaviors in turn. Over time, a person can learn to question flawed or unhelpful thought patterns that may be causing distress and shift them in a healthier direction. 

Other treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy, may also be considered to treat severe depression (major depressive disorder) cases. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) consists of  electrical stimulation of a person’s brain while they are under the effects of anesthesia (which is typically carried out by a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist. Finally, mental health professionals can evaluate a person’s symptoms to ensure that a diagnosis of depression—rather than illnesses that can sometimes manifest similarly, like bipolar disorder—is the most appropriate. The diagnosis of a different or additional disorder may affect the treatment plan.

Meeting with a mental health professional online

For some individuals experiencing depression, leaving the house to regularly attend in-person therapy appointments can seem difficult or even impossible. In cases like these, engaging with a therapist virtually may be a more convenient option. . With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist whom you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging to address any mental disorders you may be facing. These can include various types of depression, including major depression and postpartum depression.

Online therapy for depression

Research suggests that online CBT may actually be more effective in treating depression than in-person CBT, so those who are unable to receive traditional in-office care can still seek effective treatment Online therapy may also help with any comorbid mental health conditions, such as substance use disorder.