For some people, these symptoms may not be something new. It might seem as if you have always felt down and blue.
Two common symptoms of depression are:
Feeling sad or hopeless
Losing interest in or not getting pleasure from most of your daily activities
If you experience either of these symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks, you may be depressed.
Not everyone with depression has the same symptoms or feels the same way. One person might have difficulty sitting still, while another may find it hard to get out of bed each day. Other symptoms that may be signs of depression or may go along with being depressed include:
Gaining or losing weight
Eating more or less than usual almost every day
Sleeping too much or not enough almost every day
Feeling restless and unable to sit still
Feeling that moving takes great effort
Feeling tired or as if you have no energy almost every day
Feeling unworthy or guilty nearly every day
Having low self-esteem or feeling down on yourself
Finding it hard to focus, remember things, or make decisions nearly every day
Feeling anxious, worried, or nervous
Drinking more alcohol or caffeine
Taking more of a prescription or over-the-counter medication than is directed
Smoking or using tobacco more often
Having thoughts of suicide, thinking that others would be better off without you, and believing that there is no other way out of your problems are very serious symptoms of depression and need immediate attention. It’s important you talk to someone right away if you have thoughts of death or suicide. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. You can also use the Veterans Crisis Line online chat or send a text message to the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
