Common Characteristics of Depression
Understanding depression is crucial in a culture that uses the term frequently. These descriptors can help you identify depressive episodes and other behaviors.
Author
Becky Kirby
Staff Counselor
Depression
Common Characteristics of Depression
Understanding depression is crucial in a culture that uses the term frequently. These descriptors can help you identify depressive episodes and other behaviors.
Becky Kirby
Staff Counselor
Depression
- Depression is a mental state of altered mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement.
- Mild, sporadic depression is a relatively common phenomenon experienced by everyone at some time.
- Symptoms of severe depression include a sense of loss and despair and sometimes require medication and/or hospitalization.
- Early signs of depression include pessimistic statements, refusal to eat, diminished concern about personal appearance, and reluctance to make decisions.
