Understanding Depression: Identifying Signs and Symptoms

Aira, a 24-year-old young adult, was experiencing persistent feelings of worry and sadness about her parents’ health for about two months. She was struggling to balance work and her personal commitments. At her job, concentrating on tasks and making decisions felt very difficult; she would often be late for her meetings. She found it difficult to meet her friends. Falling asleep was hard, and she was constantly feeling tired, irritable, and worthless. A psychiatrist diagnosed her with depression, and she sought support through therapy and psychiatric medication.

Raman, a 33-year-old man, was also diagnosed with depression. After losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, he shut down all social interactions. He had become physically weak and lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. Even getting out of bed felt like a monumental task. He often complained of brain fog and struggled to perform basic daily activities like cooking and bathing. The weight of these struggles made him feel like he had no purpose in life.

Every individual’s experience of depression can look different and may have various effects on their lives. Depression is a serious mental health condition that has an effect on how one feels, thinks, perceives, and acts in various contexts. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of depression is 3.8%, affecting approximately 280 million people. Women, like Aira, are 50% more likely to experience depression than men. In India, the latest available data from the National Mental Health Survey reported that around 1 in every 20 Indians has been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. While this data is nearly a decade old, it remains one of the most comprehensive national studies available. The graph below illustrates state-wise depression prevalence across India. In this article, we explore the signs and symptoms of depression in more detail.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?

The American Psychiatric Association has underlined the following signs and symptoms of depression:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, irritability, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest and pleasure in previously enjoyable activities 
• Significant changes in appetite: eating too little or too much, losing or gaining weight
• Disrupted sleep patterns: trouble falling asleep, oversleeping, or restless sleep
• Decline in energy or an increase in fatigue and tiredness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty with concentration and decision-making
• Suicidal thoughts and ideation
• Self-harm or suicidal attempts

Diagnosis for Depression

A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist can diagnose depression using standardized tools and a detailed case history. The severity of depression may vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe symptoms. To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience several of these symptoms consistently for at least two weeks. Depression can disrupt a person’s daily functioning, affecting their work, home responsibilities, routine tasks, and relationships.

Difference Between Sadness and Depression

We all experience bouts of sadness from time to time in response to certain situations, like a fight with a friend, receiving poor feedback at work, or failing a test. Usually, when we feel sad, we find ways to deal with it, like reaching out to a loved one, venting, taking a nap, or crying. Sadness is an emotion that usually lasts for shorter periods of time, and we feel better eventually. Sadness does not affect our functioning on a regular basis. However, depression is more persistent, heavier, and constant, and it may last for weeks or months on a daily basis. Depression weighs an individual down, making it difficult to find motivation for activities they once enjoyed and significantly affecting their day-to-day functioning. Individuals who experience depression may require therapy or psychiatric medications, along with support from friends and family, to navigate this difficult experience in their life.

Finding Hope: Recognizing Depression and Moving Toward Healing

Depression is a growing concern in India, affecting millions of individuals across age groups and backgrounds. Recognizing the signs and understanding their impact is the first step toward creating a supportive and stigma-free environment. Healing begins with awareness and support. When we recognize the weight of depression and respond with compassion, we help both others and ourselves move toward recovery and hope.