Depression Warning Signs

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Sad or irritable mood

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Large changes in appetite or weight

• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

• Slow or agitated movement

• Loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Difficulty concentrating

• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Most teens and young adults experience some of these symptoms occasionally, but if someone has a number of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, he or she is likely to have major depression and may need professional help.

Some other signs to watch for include:

• Frequent headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches or tiredness, without a medical cause

• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school

• Talk of or efforts to run away from home

• Being bored, sulking

• Lack of interest in spending time with friends or family

• Alcohol or substance abuse

• Social isolation, poor communication

• Fear of death

• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure

• Increased irritability, anger, hostility, or crying

• Reckless behavior

• Neglect of clothes and appearance

• Difficulty with relationships

• Changes in mood