Symptoms & types of depression

Depression is a very common condition which affects more than one in ten people at any one time. Any of us, irrespective of age, gender or background can be affected at any point in our life. Most people come through depression with help, and early recognition and ongoing support are essential for a positive outcome.

Symptoms of depression

Or click here to skip straight to the main types of depression.

Depression: What is it?
Depression is a mental health condition which affects a person's thinking, energy, feelings and behaviour. It can vary from mild to severe and can prove disabling in some cases, impacting on the individual's family and work life. It is possible to minimise the impact of depression by accessing information and support, and by finding ways to manage the condition.

What should I look for?
Depression has eight main symptoms. If you experience five or more of these symptoms, lasting for a period of two weeks or more, you should speak to a GP or mental health professional. The symptoms of depression are:

• Feeling sad, anxious or bored
• Low energy, feeling tired or fatigued
• Under- or over-sleeping, or waking frequently during the night
• Poor concentration, thinking slowed down
• Loss of interest in hobbies, family or social life
• Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt
• Aches and pains with no physical basis, e.g. chest/head/tummy pain associated with anxiety or stress
• Loss of interest in living, thinking about death, suicidal thoughts

What causes it?
Depression has a number of possible causes. For some people, it comes about as a result of a traumatic life event such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties or bullying. In other situations, the person may have an inherent tendency towards depression, and such genetic factors can be key in the case of bipolar disorder. This mood disorder involves not just periods of depression, but also periods of elation, where the person's mood is significantly higher than normal. During these periods, he/she may have excessive energy with little need for sleep, may have grandiose ideas and may engage in risk-taking behaviour.  

What should I do if I think depression is a factor for me or a loved one?
The most important thing to do is speak to a doctor or mental health professional in order to get a correct diagnosis. There are a number of treatments for depression, depending on the cause and severity of symptoms and a professional is best placed to decide which, if any, treatment is most appropriate. Accessing reliable information is also vital. As well as its online literature, Aware offers free information packs – call 01 661 7211 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to request one.

Talking through concerns with someone who understands can also be a help: the Aware loCall Helpline is available on 1890 303 302 or you can email us for support at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Aware support groups can also be a huge help: see our map of support groups for the nearest location to you. Support groups for individuals with depression are available in all 32 counties, with support groups for relatives also offered in some areas.

Main Types of Depression

Mild depression
The person typically experiences tiredness, some early morning wakening, indecision, impaired concentration and loss of confidence. It is important to note here that the person will not necessarily feel depressed.

Moderate depression
Most of the symptoms of depression as listed above are present: the person feels depressed, is extremely fatigued, has marked sleep disturbance and appears to others to be depressed.

Severe depression
In addition to the symptoms of moderate depression, the person's judgement is impaired in a severe depression - i.e. they have an extremely negative and pessimistic view of their own self-worth and future prospects. Strong suicidal thoughts (or intent) will also be present.

Someone suffering a severe depressive episode may have delusions or false beliefs (e.g. that they are evil, wicked, bankrupt or terminally ill) or may suffer from hallucinations (hearing voices or having visions) with similar themes. When delusions or hallucinations are present, the depression is referred to as a psychotic depression. Such depressions are an extreme extension of the negative thinking that is part of a mild or moderate depression.

Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder involves both depressive periods and their opposite, which are known as elations or manic periods. Symptoms of the depressed phase are the same as those of unipolar depression described above:

• Feeling sad, anxious or bored
• Low energy, feeling tired or fatigued
• Under- or over-sleeping, or waking frequently during the night
• Poor concentration, thinking slowed down
• Loss of interest in hobbies, family or social life
• Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt
• Aches and pains with no physical basis, e.g. chest/head/tummy pain associated with anxiety or stress
• Loss of interest in living, thinking about death, suicidal thoughts.

If five or more of the symptoms above are present for a period of two weeks or more, it is most likely a depressive episode and you should talk to a medical professional.

The symptoms of elation (mania) are:

• Feeling elated, enthusiastic, excited, angry, irritable or depressed
• Increased energy, 'never felt as well', over-talkative or over-active
• Reduced need for sleep and marked difficulty in getting off to sleep
• Racing thoughts, 'pressure in the head', indecision, jumping from one topic to another, poor concentration
• Increased interest in pleasurable activities, new adventures, sex, alcohol, street drugs, religion, music or art
• Excessive and unrealistic belief in one's ability, or having grandiose plans
• Being unaware of the physical symptoms of illness such as asthma, having muscle tension at the back of the head or round the shoulders
• Thinking that one can live forever, taking reckless physical risks or, if angry or distressed, feeling suicidal.

If five or more of these symptoms are present for more than two weeks, it may be a manic episode, and it is advisable to seek professional medical advice.

We also run a weekly online support group specifically for people with bipolar disorder (Tuesdays at 8pm). To attend, just register for the online group service and we'll email you the schedule of groups every week.