As with all mental health disorders, depression can manifest in a variety of ways spanning physical symptoms to more psychological ones depending on the individual. Furthermore, the signs may vary depending on your age. However, the common signs and symptoms clinical depression include:

Feeling sad

Those with depression often report the constant sensation of feeling down, upset or close to tears. You may also feel pessimistic, and struggle to find pleasure in things you may once have loved.

Feeling restless

You may feel physically uncomfortable in your own body, extremely irritable or constantly frustrated.

Feeling purposeless

Depression can sometimes manifest in a feeling of emptiness, numbness or as though you’re not sure what your purpose is.

Feeling worthless

Depression can affect your self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as triggering negative feelings such as worthlessness, guilt or shame, even if the cause of those feelings seems irrational. 

Feeling lonely 

You may feel isolated or disconnected in social situations. Even with plenty of people around you, you might feel alone, particularly if those people struggle to understand your experiences of depression.

Feeling sluggish

Depression can mess with your energy and concentration, making even the simplest of daily tasks feel like a massive insurmountable challenge.

Difficulty sleeping

With so many anxious or sad thoughts running around your mind, you may struggle to fall or stay asleep. This will also make you feel constantly tired.

Body changes

Unexplained weight loss or changes to your appetite can be linked to depression, as can unexplained aches or pains.

Suicidal thoughts