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Signs and symptoms of depression can vary. They are dynamic and with different intensity. Some of them can be:
• a loss of sexual desire
• agitation, restlessness, irritability, frustration, or restlessness, and pacing up and down
• slowed movement and speech
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt or emptiness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that used to be enjoyable
• Difficulty sleeping, sleep disturbances or sleeping too much
• Difficulty thinking clearly, remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
Signs and symptoms of depression in females
Depression is nearly twice as common among women as men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Below are some symptoms of depression that tend to appear more often in females:
• irritability
• anxiety
• mood swings
• fatigue
• ruminating (in the sense of dwelling on negative thoughts)
Also, some types of depression are unique to females, such as:
• postpartum depression
• premenstrual dysphoric disorder
In males
Around 9% of men in the United States have feelings of depression or anxiety, according to the American Psychological Association. Males with depression are more likely than females to drink alcohol in excess, display anger, and engage in risk-taking as a result of the disorder. Other symptoms of depression in males may include:
avoiding families and social situations
working without a break
having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities
displaying abusive or controlling behaviour in relationships
In college students
Time at college can be stressful, and a person may be dealing with other lifestyles, cultures, and experiences for the first time. Some students have difficulty coping with these changes, and they may develop depression, anxiety, or both as a result. Symptoms of depression in college students may include:
difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
insomnia
sleeping too much
a decrease or increase in appetite
avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy
Signs and symptoms of depression in teens
Physical changes, peer pressure, and other factors can contribute to depression in teenagers. They may experience some of the following symptoms:
withdrawing from friends and family
difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
restlessness, such as an inability to sit still
In children
The CDC estimate that, in the U.S., 3.2% of children and teens aged 3–17 have a diagnosis of depression. In children, symptoms can make schoolwork and social activities challenging. They may experience symptoms such as:
crying
low energy
clinginess
defiant behaviour
vocal outbursts
Younger children may have difficulty expressing how they feel in words. This can make it harder for them to explain their feelings of sadness.
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major depression, but people with only a few – but distressing – symptoms may benefit from treatment of their “subsyndromal” depression. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness.
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