How does clinical depression feel like

Emptiness and self-doubts take over. Even […]. Even everyday tasks like shopping or showering become seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Nothing seems to make sense anymore. Many people struggling with depression describe their experiences this way. We all know what it feels like to be very deeply sad. However, there are essential differences between sadness and depression.

For example, unlike acute sadness, depression often does not have a clear or apparent cause for the negative mood. The complaints are there, and they are real, but the reason for them is unclear. Depressive episodes manifest themselves in the form of specific symptoms. But what exactly are the symptoms of depression? It works the same way. Both manuals distinguish between so-called core and additional symptoms of depression, which can exhibit themselves in different combinations.

Depression in two different people can look very different because not every depressive episode exhibits the same combination of symptoms. These many individual variations are one of the reasons why depression often goes unrecognized.

This dejection, very common to depression, can go so far that the mood of those affected by it does not even brighten up with positive events. Attempts of friends and family to comfort or cheer up people with depression often only create more tension and feelings of guilt. This can also burden relationships quite a bit. Depressive people are often afraid of the future or imagine pessimistic scenarios. Concentration and memory problems are common.

Loss of appetite is also common in rare cases also increased appetite. Sleep disorders form part of the additional symptoms of depression as well. In turn, a lack of sleep fuels negative thoughts and thus, triggers a vicious circle.

Sometimes these negative thoughts become so strong that they lead to suicidal thoughts or even suicidal acts. Persistent depressive disorder dysthymia is diagnosed after a person has symptoms of depression that last for at least two years. Other forms of depression include:. Depressive symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:.

If you have a friend or loved one dealing with depression, you might be wondering if there are things you should look or listen for. His advice? Try to understand it enough so that you stay aware of the symptoms and look for the little things that indicate your loved one is doing well or that they are struggling. Depression is a serious mental health issue. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. National Institute of Mental Health.

Depression Basics. Revised Major Depression. Last Updated February Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes.

Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. What Depression May Feel Like. According to People With Depression. Scientists suggest this is due to :. One study of twin brothers and sisters published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that personality and relationships with others were more likely to play a role in the onset of depression. In particular, the study stated that marital problems, the relationship with parents, and lack of social support were more likely to cause depression in women than in men.

Neuroticism , or being in a negative emotional state, was also a primary cause of depression in the women studied. The women studied were more likely to have panic and anxiety disorders in addition to their depression. Other studies have indicated that women may be more likely to gain weight and have excessive sleepiness than men.

Losing a job and not being able to provide for the family is a common trigger for depression in men. A study in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that men were more likely than women to have depression due to the following:. The study also suggested that men may be more likely to become depressed as a result of failures to achieve goals in life and low self-esteem.

Financial and legal issues and career problems were found to cause depression more frequently in men than women. The study mentions events such as losing a job and worrying about failing as a family provider as possible examples of what may trigger depression specifically in men. Symptoms of depression in men may also be different. An analysis in JAMA Psychiatry found that men were more likely than women to experience anger attacks, aggression, and risk-taking behavior as depression symptoms.

Though it is commonly thought that women suffer from depression more frequently than men, the study suggests that men and women may both equally suffer from depression. The differences in symptoms and what men report to their doctors may make depression harder to diagnose in men. Traditional symptoms of depression, such as sadness and crying, may be more frequently hidden or not reported by men.

Those who are experiencing symptoms of depression should seek medical assistance. A family doctor or mental health professional will discuss treatment options to help the person manage their depression and carry on with daily life.