7 Early Signs of Depression

Perhaps you’ve heard of clinical depression, but you may not know that there are many more types of depression. Clinical depression (also known as major depressive disorder) is the most severe form of depression, but it isn’t the only one. Sometimes it can be tough to tell if your mood problems are related to clinical depression or another type of mood disorder; understanding the symptoms and signs of depression can help you tell if you or someone you love needs help from a mental health expert. Here are 10 early signs and symptoms of depression.

1) Weight gain

Though it may seem counterintuitive, depression and weight gain can go hand in hand. Research suggests that people suffering from depression often turn to food for comfort; over time, that comfort eating can result in significant weight gain. In fact, a 2011 study published in the journal BMC Medicine found that people who experienced major depressive episodes were 62 percent more likely to be obese compared with those who did not suffer from depression.

2) Lack of energy

Feeling tired and drained is a common symptom of depression. If you feel like you have no energy or motivation, that’s a sign that something’s wrong, she says. And if it doesn’t go away with exercise or after a good night’s sleep, see your doctor.

3) Irritability

Feeling irritable all day long is a sign that something’s off. Although everyone feels irritable from time to time, it’s not a normal emotion and you should check with your doctor if it becomes persistent. Irritability can be brought on by fatigue, chronic stress or sleep deprivation. Your doctor may also prescribe an antidepressant if it continues for longer than two weeks.

4) Social withdrawal

It can be extremely difficult to speak to people who are in depression. If you notice your loved one isolating him or herself from their friends and family, it could be a sign of depression. The person might give you various excuses as to why they want space, but if they consistently talk about wanting to be alone, they might actually be suffering from symptoms of depression.

5) Over-eating or Under-eating

Sometimes people eat too much or too little when they’re depressed. When we’re eating for emotional reasons, hunger is a very unreliable gauge. So if you suddenly find yourself craving certain foods (like comfort food) more than usual, it might be worth taking note. Likewise, if you notice that your appetite has dropped off and you can’t remember the last time you ate—maybe even skipping meals—you should consider that something more serious might be going on.

6) Excessive sleep or Insomnia

If you’re not sleeping well, talk to your doctor. You could be depressed. More than 70 million Americans suffer from insomnia or chronic sleep problems and not getting enough quality sleep has been linked to depression. If you’re waking up tired and struggling to go back to sleep –or if you’re falling asleep easily but then waking up too early–there’s a good chance you have some form of sleep disorder. Ask your doctor for a referral if you suspect depression is at play.

7) Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Finding yourself losing interest in activities you once enjoyed is a major symptom of depression. When you’re depressed, it can feel like there’s nothing that can bring you joy. It may seem difficult to get motivated about anything. You might also start procrastinating or avoiding certain people or tasks. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it could be an early sign of depression.