If you’re depressed you often lose interest in things that you used to enjoy. Depression commonly interferes with your work, social and family life. In addition, there are many other symptoms, which can be physical, psychological and social.

Psychological symptoms:

• continuous low mood or sadness,
• feelings of hopelessness and helplessness,
• low self-esteem,
• tearfulness,
• feelings of guilt,
• feeling irritable and intolerant of others,
• lack of motivation and little interest in things,
• difficulty making decisions,
• lack of enjoyment,
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming someone else,
• feeling anxious or worried, and
• reduced sex drive.

Physical symptoms:

• slowed movement or speech,
• change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased),
• constipation,
• unexplained aches and pains,
• lack of energy or lack of interest in sex,
• changes to the menstrual cycle, and
• disturbed sleep patterns (for example, problems going to sleep or waking in the early hours of the morning).

Social symptoms:

• not performing well at work,
• taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends,
• reduced hobbies and interests, and
• difficulties in home and family life.

Grief and depression

Even though grief and depression share many of the same characteristics, there are important differences between them. Grief is an entirely natural response to a loss, while depression is an illness. However, sometimes, it can be hard to distinguish between feelings of grief and depression.

People who are grieving find that feelings of loss and sadness come in waves, but they are still able to enjoy things and are able to look forward to the future. However, those who are depressed have a constant feeling of sadness; they do not enjoy anything and have little sense of a positive future.