Symptoms must be present for at least two weeks before clinical depression can be considered.

Depression affects the mind and body, as well as emotions.

More people with depression go to the doctor's office with physical complaints than emotional ones. Not all people have the same symptoms, but all experience an abnormal mood (depressed mood and/or loss of interest or enjoyment), which must be present for a diagnosis of depression. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Physical symptoms of depression are lack of energy, sluggishness or alternately restlessness, loss of appetite or overeating, sleeping too little or too much. Other symptoms that are more difficult to pin on depression (but commonly occur with depression) are miscellaneous physical aches and pains in the form of headaches, backaches, chest pain, abdominal pain. *Symptoms such as fatigue, and aches and pain may also be caused by numerous other medical conditions. The symptoms of low mood and loss of enjoyment are almost always indicative of depression, but some viral illnesses, low thyroid function, etc. may also cause these symptoms.

Depression often causes impairment in cognitive functioning. There may be difficulty concentrating and making decisions and memory may be impaired.

Perhaps the most painful part of depression is the emotional aspect - the low mood and/or a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. There may be feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Lack of motivation, chronic irritability, boredom and frustration are also symptoms of depression.

Anxiety often accompanies depression. About one-third of people who suffer from depression have a full-blown anxiety disorder.

Many depressed people have a distorted self-image and low self-esteem. Feelings of guilt (without justification) are common.

Getting through the day may feel like an endurance test. For some, functioning while being clinically depressed may be compared to having the flu or being drugged with a sedative and carrying on with regular activities. There may be excessive missed days from work. One may stop socializing.

In cases of severe depression, there may be thoughts of suicide.

Are there Outward Signs that a person is Clinically Depressed?

Some people are obviously depressed, e.g. those whose symptoms include monotone or slowed speech, lethargy, sad expression, etc. Others do a terrific job at covering up their suffering. And there are those with ‘atypical depression’ who perk up when out with their friends though they suffer depression the majority of the time.

Some clinically depressed people are chronically irritable and grumpy, though others may not recognize this as being symptomatic of depression.

Withdrawing from one's normal activities is usually a telltale sign. Many depressed people hold full time jobs despite their suffering but can't muster up the energy or don't have the interest to socialize or participate in activities once enjoyed. Some miss excessive days from work.
If clinical depression becomes severe, one may not be capable of working at all.

Sometimes there is a dramatic change in weight - either weight gain or weight loss. Some depressed people neglect their appearance.

A person with who abuses alcohol or other drugs may be suffering from depression.

Symptoms may vary in intensity.

Some people have a mild form of depression (dysthymia) that can last for years if untreated. The symptoms are milder than in major depression. Dysthymic persons may also have episodes of major depression. When this occurs it is called double depression.

A smaller number have bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, and fluctuate between depressive moods, manic moods, and feeling normal. A person may have either bipolar disorder I or I bipolar disorder II. Bipolar II is a milder form of this mood disorder. Cyclothymia disorder is a yet milder disorder that involves abnormal mood swings.

See Types of Depression for more on symptoms and diagnosing major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.

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