The best way to identify depression is to understand what it looks like. There are many common signs and symptoms of depression that play a major part in diagnosing it. There are many different disorders that fall into the broad category of depression, such as bipolar disorder, melancholia and seasonal affective disorder, but in regards to the condition of depression itself, the person affected will often exhibit the following signs:
*A decrease in energy
*Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
*Physical symptoms such as pains, stomach upset and cramps
*No pleasure taken in activities that used to bring pleasure
*Restlessness and irritability
*Pessimistic, despondent feelings
*A sense of worthlessness or guilt
*Disturbances to a usual sleep schedule
*Inconsistent eating patterns and weight fluctuation
*Feelings of sadness or anxiety