Signs of depression: how to recognise it in yourself

The core signs

Doctors look for two main signs, lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks:

• low, empty or hopeless mood;
• loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy.

Other common signs

• Tiredness and low energy, even after rest
• Sleeping much more or much less than usual
• Eating more or less, with weight change
• Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
• Feeling worthless, guilty or a burden
• Moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling restless
• Thoughts of death or suicide

How depression often shows up in our communities

In many South Asian families, emotional pain is spoken about through the body. People say they have "weakness", headaches, "dil ghabrata hai" or general aches. Some describe it as "tension" or simply being tired all the time. Men may show depression as anger, overworking or withdrawing. Women may keep going for everyone else while feeling empty inside.

Because of this, depression often goes unnoticed for years.

Signs others might notice

• Withdrawing from family, friends or the mosque, temple or gurdwara
• Losing interest in children, work or hobbies
• Irritability and snapping at loved ones
• Neglecting appearance or the home
• Drinking, smoking or using substances more

Depression or something else?

Low mood can be caused by physical health problems such as an underactive thyroid, anaemia or vitamin deficiency, especially vitamin D, which is common in people with darker skin living in northern countries. A doctor can run simple blood tests.

When to get help

Talk to someone if:

• the signs have lasted two weeks or more;
• you are struggling to function at work or home;
• you are using alcohol or other things to cope;
• you are having thoughts of harming yourself.

If you have thoughts of suicide, contact a crisis line or emergency services now. You can read more in depression treatment options.

Questions people ask

How do I know if I am depressed?

If you have had low mood or lost interest in things most days for two weeks or more, along with other signs like tiredness, poor sleep or feeling worthless, you may be depressed. A professional can assess you.

Can you be depressed and still function?

Yes. Many people keep working and caring for family while feeling empty inside. This is sometimes called high-functioning depression and it still deserves help.

What does depression feel like?

People describe heaviness, numbness, exhaustion, hopelessness, or feeling cut off from others. Some feel more irritable than sad.

Why do I feel tired all the time?

Constant tiredness can be a sign of depression, but also of physical problems like anaemia, thyroid issues or low vitamin D. See a doctor to check.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause depression?

Low vitamin D is common in South Asian people living in the UK, Ireland and Canada, and has been linked with low mood. A blood test can check, but it rarely explains depression on its own.

Do men show depression differently?

Often, yes. Men may show anger, irritability, overworking, risk-taking or drinking rather than sadness.

Is losing interest in everything a sign of depression?

Yes. Loss of interest or pleasure is one of the two main signs doctors look for.

Can depression come on suddenly?

It can follow a sudden event like a loss, but often it builds gradually over weeks or months.

Are mood swings a sign of depression?

Mood swings can be part of depression. Periods of very high mood and energy alternating with depression may suggest bipolar disorder and should be assessed by a psychiatrist.

What should I do first if I think I am depressed?

Talk to someone you trust and book an appointment with a GP or a psychologist. Naming it is the first step to treating it.