​

Knowing the warning signs can help you distinguish depression from occasional normal sadness or moodiness.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Sad or irritable mood

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Significant changes in appetite or weight

• Difficulty sleeping; oversleeping

• Slow or agitated movement

• Loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Difficulty concentrating 

• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

 

Most adolescents and young adults experience the above symptoms occasionally. But, if you observe a number of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, seek professional help. Adolescents and young adults often show depression in other ways as well:

• Frequent headaches, 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

• Abuse of alcohol or other substances

• 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