The symptoms of depression vary for each individual and also vary depending on the type of depression the individual is suffering from. The most common form of depression known to most is Major Depressive Disorder, however the symptoms for this type of depression are quite different to those expected for Bipolar Depression or other types.

Generally the first sign many individual's notice when someone they know is depressed is a flat mood or affect. This is where the person is generally feeling down, with very little emotional reactivity to anything and just overall very unresponsive. They may not even realise they are doing this, but suddenly the person will show little joy and may complain about feeling tired a lot.

A change in sleeping patterns is another big sign of depression. This can be either a change to sleeping excessively, getting out of bed much later than usual and always reporting tiredness depsite having slept so long. Or alteratively, it could involve a lack of the ability to sleep at all, with lots of tossing and turning.

Changes to an individual's eating patterns may also signify depression. Perhaps the individual reports loss of apetite and generally stops eating reguarly. Or they may instead start eating excessively and craving all the wrong types of food, perhaps expecting comfort from these foods.

For different types of depression, such as Bipolar, an individual may vary between stages of normal mood, extreme major depression and extreme mania, or hyperactivity. Mania can be signified but a sudden burst of energy where the person seems over excitable, wide awake and possibly engaging in unsual, risk taking behaviour. These manic episodes may last different lengths of time before they return to either a normal or depressive state.

Depression is an illness that haunts many individuals. Many of us will experience some degree of this illness through some stage of our lives, but some are overcome with it in such a major way that it is difficult to break through. Depression should not be treated lightly as it can lead to further problems, such as excessive drinking, drug taking or worse still, self harm or suicidal ideations. If you believe someone you know may be depressed, do not let it go. Help them to get the assistance they need, either from a GP or a mental health professional.

Learn more about this author, Holly Rogers.
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