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Depression symptoms

Here is a list of some common symptoms. You can find more information at www.depressionalliance.org/Contents

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
• Feeling useless, inadequate, bad.
• Self hatred, constant questioning of thoughts and actions, an overwhelming need for reassurance.
• Being vulnerable and "over-sensitive".
• Feeling guilty.
• A loss of energy and motivation, that makes even the simplest tasks or decisions seem difficult.
• Self harm.
• Loss or gain in weight.
• Difficulty with getting off to sleep, or (less frequently) an excessive desire to sleep.
• Agitation and restlessness.
• Loss of sex drive.
• Finding it impossible to concentrate for any length of time, forgetfulness.
• A sense of unreality.
• Physical aches and pains, sometimes with the fear that you are seriously ill.

• visit your GP (doctor) who may prescribe drugs to relieve your symptoms
• obtain support to tackle the causes of the illness. Counselling may be available through your doctor, your employer or privately. There are local support groups, web-based support groups.

If the depression is very bad, these feelings may also include:

• Suicidal ideas.
• Failure to eat or drink.
• Delusions and/or hallucinations.

What should you do if you recognise these symptoms in a colleague? Look at these details of what to do if you are the colleague of a sufferer.