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Signs and Symptoms

If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be experiencing depression.

Common symptoms of depression:

Older adult woman sitting on a sofa, looking depressed.
  • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Fidgeting or increase in physical movement
  • Slowed movements or speech
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms specific to older adults:

  • Increase in pain
  • Increase in disability
  • Cognitive impairment changes
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom.

Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. How long and how severe symptoms last will vary depending on the individual.