Symptoms of depression

Listed below are a number of symptoms associated with depression:

• feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• persistant low mood
• feeling useless or inadequate
• self hatred
• constant questioning of thoughts and actions
• an overwhelming need for reassurance
• being vulnerable and "over-sensitive"
• feeling guilty
• a loss of energy and motivation that makes even the simplest tasks or decision seem difficult
• self harm
• loss or gain in weight
• difficulty with getting off to sleep, or (less frequently) and excessive desire to sleep
• agitation and restlessness
• loss of sex drive
• finding it impossible to concentrate for any length of time, forgetfulness and a sense of unreality
• physical aches and pains, sometimes with the fear that you are seriously ill

In more serious cases of depression these feelings may also include:

• suicidal ideas
• failure to eat or drink
• delusions and/or hallucinations