A common misconception about major depressive disorder is that a person with the disorder can’t get out of bed and skips classes and work.While this may be true for moderate and severe depression, mild depression can look different. It’s important to know all symptoms to catch depression early and not allow it to damage your brain and life. 

Core Symptoms

Two symptoms are considered core for major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The symptoms must have persisted for most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of at least two weeks.

• Depressed mood 

People describe it as feeling sad, empty, or hopeless. When you wake up in the morning, there might be a heavy feeling, and the thoughts of going to work or doing chores feel overwhelming. 

• Loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia)

You don’t enjoy activities that brought you pleasure in the past. For example, you once loved meeting with friends, cooking, and listening to podcasts, but now those activities do not spark joy.

Additional Symptoms

• Eating more or less than usual 

• Difficulty falling asleep, sleeping too little or too much

• Moving or speaking slowly, or being overly fidgety and talking fast

• Loss of energy and fatigue

• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating

• Recurrent thoughts of death and suicidal ideation

You don’t have to have all the symptoms. For example, you might experience sleepiness, isolate yourself from your family and friends, and have trouble performing work tasks. All of these signs might be symptoms of depression.

How Can I Check For Sure?

You can take the PHQ-9 questionnaire. It’s highly effective in diagnosing major depression and its severity. However, the symptoms might indicate another disorder, so it is important to talk to a doctor. Early intervention improves your chances of recovery.

It Seems Like I Have Depression. What’s Next?

Talk to your general practitioner or family doctor to get treatment. It can look like going to therapy, taking medications, and building a network of social support. 

If you feel that adding supplements such as Normotim to your diet helps you feel better, ask your healthcare provider about drug interactions.