Depression Warning Signs

Potential Elements of a MAJOR DEPRESSIVE EPISODE:

Depressed or irritable mood nearly every day:

• sad, hopeless, discouraged, or "down in the dumps"
• feeling "blah," having no feelings
• persistent anger, angry outbursts, blaming others
• exaggerated sense of frustration over minor matters
• body aches and pains
  

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities nearly every day:

• less interested in hobbies, "not caring anymore"
• social withdrawal or neglect of former activities
• no enjoyment from previously pleasurable activities
• decrease in sexual interest or desire
  

Decreased appetite or increased appetite nearly every day:

• weight loss, must "force" himself/herself to eat
• weight gain, may crave specific foods
  

Sleep problems nearly every day:

• difficulty falling asleep
• waking up during the night and having difficulty returning to sleep
• prolonged sleep episodes, increased daytime sleep
  

Psychomotor agitation or psychomotor retardation nearly every day:

• inability to sit still, pacing, hand wringing
• pulling or rubbing of the skin, clothing, or other objects
• slowed speech, slowed thinking, slowed body movements
• increased pauses before answering
• speech that is decreased in volume, inflection, amount, or variety of content
  

Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day:

• sustained fatigue and tiredness without physical exertion
• smallest tasks seem to require substantial effort
• tasks are accomplished with reduced efficiency
  

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt nearly every day:

• unrealistic negative evaluations of his/her worth
• guilty preoccupations
• ruminations over minor past failings
  

Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions nearly every day:

• memory difficulties, easily distracted
• difficulty performing complicated but previously manageable tasks
  

Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide ideation, or suicide attempts:

• belief that others would be better off if he/she were dead
• desire to give up in the face of perceived insurmountable obstacles
• intense wish to end an excruciatingly painful emotional state
  

Prepared by Dennis W. Edwards, PhD, LMFT

Adapted from: DSM-IV, 1994, American Psychiatric Association