How do you know if you have depression?

Q: How do you know if you have depression?

Depression ( major depressive disorder ) is more than just feeling a bit sad or blue from time to time. Depression causes persistent feelings of profound sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and often withdrawal from friends and family. People with depression can experience a wide range of symptoms and these can have a big impact on day-to-day life. To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder you should have experienced five or more of the following symptoms on a daily basis, for most of the day, for at least two consecutive weeks: Depressed, sad, empty or hopeless mood; may also feel anxious, irritated or upset Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities; a loss of interest or pleasure in activities or friends that were once enjoyed A change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss Changes in sleep habits - either insomnia or sleeping too much Restless and agitated OR physically and mentally slowed Fatigue and lack of energy Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt Poor concentration, easily distracted, trouble making decisions Thoughts or actions of death or suicide A depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure must be one of the symptoms you experience in order to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Most forms of depression respond well to antidepressant medications and counseling, so it is important to see you health care provider if you think you have depression.

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 21, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Depression (major depressive disorder) is more than just feeling a bit sad or blue from time to time. Depression causes persistent feelings of profound sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and often withdrawal from friends and family. People with depression can experience a wide range of symptoms and these can have a big impact on day-to-day life.

To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder you should have experienced five or more of the following symptoms on a daily basis, for most of the day, for at least two consecutive weeks:

Depressed, sad, empty or hopeless mood; may also feel anxious, irritated or upset
Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities; a loss of interest or pleasure in activities or friends that were once enjoyed
A change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
Changes in sleep habits - either insomnia or sleeping too much
Restless and agitated OR physically and mentally slowed
Fatigue and lack of energy
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
Poor concentration, easily distracted, trouble making decisions
Thoughts or actions of death or suicide

A depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure must be one of the symptoms you experience in order to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Most forms of depression respond well to antidepressant medications and counseling, so it is important to see you health care provider if you think you have depression.

How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?

Not being able to sleep (also called insomnia) is one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Cymbalta. In some people, this side effect improves after a couple of weeks of taking Cymbalta, but difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can persist in others. Here are some ways you can improve sleep while taking Cymbalta:

Take your dose of Cymbalta in the morning. Cymbalta may be given once a day or twice a day but for those people experiencing insomnia, it should be taken just once a day in the morning
Swallow Cymbalta capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or open up the capsules and sprinkle them on food because this may cause Cymbalta to be absorbed more quickly than intended, increasing the risk of side effects such as insomnia...

What is Exxua?

Exxua (gepirone hydrochloride) is new antidepressant that was FDA approved on September 22, 2023 for major depressive disorder (MDD). Exxua works slightly differently to other currently available antidepressants which may improve its side effect profile, particularly with regards to having less of an impact on sexual functioning and negligible weight gain. Continue reading

Can depression cause headaches?

Yes, headaches can be a symptom of depression, among many other symptoms such as feeling sad, tearful and loss of interest in everyday activities. An association with depression has also been identified in patients with migraine headaches. Severe headaches may also cause a person to feel depressed. Continue reading

Related support groups

Depression (2,233 questions, 8,780 members)
Major Depressive Disorder (531 questions, 1,384 members)

Medical Disclaimer