Depression: What are the early symptoms of depression, and how can you identify them?
- byShikha Srivastava
- 13 Dec, 2025
Stress and Depression Signs: Depression is not just sadness or a bad mood; it's a serious mental health problem that requires professional treatment. In today's fast-paced life, it's normal to feel stressed or experience temporary sadness, but when this sadness persists for two weeks or more and begins to severely affect a person's daily activities, relationships, and work performance, it could be a sign of depression.

People often think they are feeling "weak" or that it's just "all in their head," but depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Ignoring its symptoms not only worsens a person's mental state but can also lead to physical health problems and even suicidal thoughts. The first step in recognizing depression is understanding its key symptoms so that help can be sought in time.
Persistent Sadness and Hopelessness
The most prominent symptom of depression is feeling profound sadness, gloom, or emptiness almost every day, for most of the day. The person loses interest in everything and no longer enjoys activities they previously loved. This feeling of hopelessness can be so intense that the person feels nothing good will happen in the future.
Significant Changes in Sleep and Appetite
A person suffering from depression experiences significant changes in their sleep patterns. Some people develop insomnia, meaning they have great difficulty falling asleep or waking up very early. Others start sleeping excessively. Similarly, a decrease or increase in appetite leads to sudden weight loss or gain, which is a clear physical sign of depression.
Difficulty Concentrating and Making Decisions
Depression affects cognitive functions. A person suffering from depression finds it difficult to concentrate, read, or stay focused on conversations. They start forgetting small things and feel unable to make even simple everyday decisions. This situation severely impacts their work and studies. Restlessness and Suicidal Thoughts
Some people with depression experience persistent restlessness, irritability, or physical tension. The most serious symptoms include a diminished sense of self-worth, overwhelming guilt, and suicidal thoughts. If someone talks about death or harming themselves, this should be considered an emergency signal requiring immediate help.
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